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MEMOIR 

OF THE 

LIFE AND TIMES 

or 

GENERAL JOHN LAMB, 

AN 

OFFICER OF THE REVOLUTION, 



COMMANDED THE POST AT WEST POINT AT 
THE TIME OF ARNOLD'S DEFECTION, 



HIS CORRESPONDENCE WITH WASHINGTON, 
CLINTON, PATRICK HENRY, 



OTHER DISTINGUISHED MEN OF HIS TIME. 



BY ISAAC Q. LEAKE. 

It 



ALBANY: 

JOEL MUNSELL, 58 STATE STREET. 
1850. 






Enlerei according to Act of Congress, in the year 1S50, 

BT ISAAC Q. LEAKE, 

le Clerk's Office of the Northern District of the state of New York. 






CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER I. 

Introduction. Sons of Liberty. Moral Influence of their exertions on 
the Revolution. Effect on subsequent Revolutions in Europe. Birth 
and Parentage of John Lamb Early Occupation. Characteristics. 
Opposed to ministerial Aggressions. A Leader of the Sons ok Liberty. 
The Stamp Act. Early* Action of the South and East. Opposition 
of the Continental Colonies. Of Jamaica. St. Christopher. Stamp 
Distributors. Burnt in Effigy at Boston. Rebuked at New Haven. 
New York aroused. Lieut. Gov Colden makes preparation for en- 
forcing the Act. Repairs the Forts. Colden burnt in Effigy. De- 
struction of Private Property not intended. Gen. Gage's forbearance. 
Colden delivers the Stamps to the Corporation. Page 5 to 16 

CHAPTER II. 

Consequences of the Outbreak of 1st November. Committee to enforce 
Recommendations of Congress. Action of Philadelphia. Quickened 
by the Committee. Arrival of Gov. Moore. His conciliatory Policy. 
Co'untermands Military Preparations. Satisfaction of the People. 
Minerva searched for Connecticut Stamps. Threatening Letter to the 
Assembly. Stamps for Connecticut burnt. Reproof of Lieut. Hal- 
lam, of the Garland. Repeal of the Act. Rejoicings. Raising of 
the First Liberty Pole. Statue of the King. Of Pitt. Mutiny Act. 
The King requires Compliance. Partial assent of the Legislature. 
Damages done by the Rioters to be paid. Assembly evade. Liberty 
Pole destroyed by Soldiers. First Battle with the Citizens. Second 
Pole destroyed. Military Violence. The King demands perfect Com- 
pliance with Mutiny Act. Decision of the Assembly. Third Liberty 
Pole destroyed. Reerected. Unsuccessful attempt to destroy it with 
Gunpowder. Violence of the Military. Attack on Bardin's House. 

17 to 37 

CHAPTER III. 

Preparations to enforce the Mutiny Act. Assembly yield a farther Sup- 
ply. Provide for a part of the Damages of Nov. '65. Deprived of 
their Privileges by the King Commissioners of Customs appointed. 



i 



IV. CONTENTS. 

Tariff of Duties on Tea, S^c. New Assembly. Address Parliament 
for Restoration. Dissatisfaction with the Imposts. Non-importation 
League revived. Massachusetts Circular. The King forbids the 
Reading The House remonstrates. Massachusetts refuses Compli- 
ance with the Mutiny Act. Boston invested. Governor demands 
farther Supplies Non-importation League rigidly enforced. Rumors 
of the Repeal of the Duties. Governor Moore dies. Celebration of 
the first Nov. 1769. Gov. Colden not noticed. 38 to 48 

CHAPTER IV. 

New Assembly meet. Governor Colden gives Hopes of the Repeal of 
the Duties. Demands further Supplies. Recommends issue of Bills 
of Credit. House pass the Bill. Full compliance with the Mutiny 
Act. Alarm of the People. Great Meeting in the Fields. Assembly 
denounces as Libels the Papers calling the Meeting. Lamb ordered 
to the Bar of the House. Examined and dismissed. Insolence of the 
Military. Interfere to prevent the Enforcement of the Non-importa- 
tion League. Liberty Pole assailed. Montangnie's House forced. Fourth 
Liberty Pole destroyed Meeting of the Citizens. Riotous proceed- 
ings of the Soldiery. Battle of Golden Hill, and before the New Jail. 
Corporation reject Petition for Permission to reerect the Pole. A 
piece of Ground purchased. Fifth Liberty Pole erected. 49 to 59 

CHAPTER V. 

Parker examined. McDougall arrested. Confinement. Case assimi- 
lated to Wilkes's. House purchased by Sons of Liberty. Hampden 
Hall. I;epeal Celebration. Citizens salute McDougall in Jail. Soldiers 
atterpt Liberty Pole. Assault Hampden Hall. Repulsed. Dispersed. 
McDougall gives Bail. Is released. Non-importation League de- 
clines. Repeal of the Duties except on Tea. Efforts of Sons of Lib- 
erty to sustain the League. General Committee recommend Abroga- 
tion. Denounced at Faneuil Hall. Hampden Hall Protest. Impor- 
tation of^every thing except Tea. Lord Dunmore Governor. Mc- 
Dougall arrested on Speaker's Warrant. Committed for Contempt. 
Habeas Corpus. House demur. Outrage of the Soldiers Tryon 
succeeds Lord Dunmore. Pitt's Statue mutilated. Efforts to induce 
importation of Tea. Kelly burnt in Effigy. 1770 to 1773. 60 to 77 

CHAPTER VI. 

Vigilance of the Sons of Liberty. Boston Tea Ships arrive. That for 
New York expected. Tryon resolves to force the Landing. Determi- 
nation to exclude it. Meeting of the Citizens. Committee of Fifteen. 
Tea Destroyed at Boston. New York Tea Ship blown off the Coast. 
Arrives and taken Possession of by the Committee. Ship London 



CONTENTS. .V 

arrives. Searched, Tea found and Destroyed. Committee send 
back the Tea Ship without unloading. Stringent Measures agninst 
Boston. Committee of Fifty-One against reviving Non-importation 
League. Overruled General Congress. Boards and Straw for the 
Barracks at Boston stopped. Sons of Liberty propose to arm and equip 
themselves. Provincial Congress. Rum seized and sent to Concord, 
Custom House closed General Armament of the Whigs, 78 to 103 

CHAPTER VII. 

War begun Governor temporizes. British Troops expected. Congress 
recommends no Opposition to the Landing. Provision of waHike 
Stores. Magazine at Turtle Bay seized. Lamb applies for a Com- 
mission—is appointed to the Artillery. Cannon ordered for the Forts 
in the Highlands. Provincial Congress orders Cannon removed from 
the Battery. Removed. Asiafiresupon the Town. Lamb's Company 
filled up. Ordered to the North Proceedings of Schuyler's Army 
Schuyler compelled to resign the Command. Lamb arrives in Mont- 
gomery's Camp. Siege of St. Johns. New Batteries opened Effi- 
ciency of the Fire. Attempt to relieve Garrison. Carleton repulsed 
Flag sent into the Fort. Lamb receives the Surrender-takes posses- 
sion of the Fort. March on Montreal-arrival. Disputes with the 
General. Lamb proposes to resign. Dissuaded by Montgomery 
March on Quebec. 1775. 104 to 122 

CHAPTER VIII. 

March on Quebec. Junction with Arnold. Quebec invested. Breast- 
works of Ice. Fire on the Town ineffectual. Montgomery's Visit to 
the Trenches. Aaron Burr. Preparations for storming Delayed. Re- 
solved on. Montgomery killed. McPherson. Cheeseman. Camp- 
bell orders a Retreat. Lamb wath Arnold's Detachment, leads the 
Van of the Stormers. First Battery. Gun abandoned'. Battery 
carried by the Bayonet. Arnold wounded. Morgan. Lamb wound- 
ed. Second Barrier carried. News of the Repulse of Montgomery, 
Sortie of the Garrison. Retreat of the Advance cut off. o'ccupy J 
House. Cannon brought against it. Surrender of the Detachment. 
Scottish Commissary. The Hospital. 123 to 134 

CHAPTER IX. 

Enterprise fails by Irresolution of Campbell. Lamb promoted. Quebec 
Horologer. Prisoners in the Seminary. Plan Escape. Discovered 
and Plan abandoned Some of the Privates enlist. Reproved by Lamb 
and Steele. Maclean's Letter. Treatment of the Prisoners. Block- 
ade continued. Distresses of Invaders. Confidence of the Canadians 



VI. CONTENTS. 

declines. Detachment from the Town defeated. Arrival of Wooster, 
Thomas. River opens. Sortie of Carleton. Retreat of the Ame- 
ricans. Affair of the Cedars — of Three Rivers. 135 to 143 

CHAPTER X. 

Prisoners apply for Release on Parole. Negotiation. Effected by in- 
terposition of Foreign Officers. Arrival in Bay of New York. The 
Great Fire. Lamb reports himself at Head Quarters. To Congress. 
Promoted. Ordered to raise a Regiment. Oswald, Lieut. -Colonel. 
Officers from New Haven. Other Parts of Connecticut. Sons of 
Liberty. Mott. Wiley. Robert Troup. General Knox. Paul Re- 
Tere. Sears. Major Ebenezer Stevens. 144 to 153 

CHAPTER XL 

Tryon's first Invasion of Connecticut. Lands at Cedar Point. Burns 
Danbury. Retreat. Death of Wooster. Arnold at Ridgefield. At 
Saugatuck River. Battle at Ridgefield and Compo. Lamb at Compo. 
Attempt to Storm Field Pieces. Wounded. Hospital. Fortitude of 
Travis, a young Militia Officer. 1777. 154 to 164 

CHAPTER XII. 

Recruiting. Mott at Albany. Gen. Gates. Meigs's Expedition. Put- 
nam's Design on Long Island. Preparations for Descent. Orders to 
Peekskill. Gates's Intrigue. Machinations against Schuyler and St, 
Clair. Rumors in Camp. Putnam's Manners repulsive. Lamb di- 
rected to Fort Montgomery. Applies for Active Command. Bur- 
goyne's Advance. Camp Rumors. Arnold. Movements of Sir H. 
Clinton. Forts Montgomery and Clinton. Storm. Defence. Garri- 
son cut their way through. Geo. Clinton. James Clinton. Lamb. 
Major Lush a Prisoner. Scottish Volunteer. Mr. Hamilton's Opi- 
nion of Defence. Marshall's. Court of Enquiry. 165 to 181 

CHAPTER XIII. 

Putnam out-manoEUvered. Oswald begs to reinforce the Forts. Retreat 
to New Windsor. Heth's Battle of Gerraantown. Fort Constitution. 
Geo. Clinton meditates recovery of the Forts. Putnam an attack on 
New York. Oswald's Letter. Col. Malcom's. Burgoyne's Surren- 
der. Sir H. Clinton moves up the River. Artillery on both sides at- 
tempt to annoy him. Esopus burnt. Holt. C. Colles. Gen. Knox's 
Letter. Red Bank. Gates sends Reinforcements to main Army. 
Putnam detains them. Ordered by Hamilton to join Head Quarters 
at White Marsh. Gen. Knox's Letter. Fort Mifflin. Fortifications. 
Philadelphia. 182 to 193 



CONTENTS. Vll. 

CHAPTER XIV. 

Gates's Apology for Capitulation. Lamb at Albany. Letter of Doughty. 
Lee's Dragoons. Artillery ordered to the River. Orders counter- 
manded by Putnam. Major Meigs's Letter. Court of Enquiry res- 
pecting Loss of Highland Forts. Artillery again ordered to the River. 
Lamb to command — to march to Valley Forge. Oswald's Letter. 
Philadelphia evacuated. Order to march countermanded. Gates 
commands in Highlands. Vexatious Interference. General Order. 
Supersedes the Commander of Artillery, Remonstrance of Lamb. 
Letter to the President of Congress. Commander in Chief. Colonel 
Malcom. Battle of Monmouth. Letter of Knox. Design on New- 
York. Artillery to White Plains. Letter to Gov. Trumbull. Dis- 
pute of Rank with Col. Harrison. Settled in favor of Lamb. 

194 to 204 

CHAPTER XV. 

Consequences of the Battle of Monmouth. Gates Faction. Meditated 
Attack on New York. Confidence of Success. Letter of Malcom. 
Of Secretary of Congress. Of Gen. Lovel. Gates's General Order 
unauthorized. Oswald resigns. Camp at White Plains breaks up. 
Distress of the Men. Mott's Letter. Lamb left in command of the 
Artillery on the River. Design on Canada. Relinquished. Army 
concentrated in the Highlands. Letter of Du Simitere. " The Sta- 
tue." Lieut. -Col. Stevens appointed to Lamb's Regiment. Supine- 
ness of Congress. Of the People. Letter of Gov. Clinton. Of Sears. 
1778, 1779. 205 to 217 

CHAPTER XVI. 

Appointed Surveyor of Ordnance. Dispute of Rank with Col. Crane. 
Correspondence with Gen.~ Parsons. Verplanck's, and Stoney Point 
taken. Probability of an Attack on West Point. Alacrity of the 
Militia. Ordered to West Point. Stoney Point Stormed. Design on 
Verplanck's, fails. Relative Rank with Crane decided against him. 
Tenders his Resignation to Washington. Not accepted. Washing- 
ton's Letter. Gov. Clinton's Letter. Appeals to Congress. Con- 
tinues in Command. Camp Rumors. Letter of Col. Carrington. 
Gen. Parsons prevents Recruits to Artillery. Ordered by Washington 
to desist. 218 to 23a 

CHAPTER XVII. 

Derangement of Quarter-Master's Department. Depot at Litchfield. 
Congress Neglect. Ordered to Springfield. Letter of the Secretary of 
the Board of War. Report of Surveyor. Distress of the Army. De- 
preciation of Currency. Exorbitant Prices of Necessaries. New Or- 
ganization of Artillery. Recommended by Gen, Knox. Referred to 



Viii. CONTENTS. 

Lamb from Department of War. Lamb against it. Adopted. De- 
monstrations against the Highlands. Ordered to West Point. Atfair 
of Springfield. Concentration near West Point. Defect of Transpor- 
tation. • 231 to 241 

CHAPTER XVIII. 

Meditated Attack on New York. Opinions of Officers relative to French 
Armies. Erroneous. Succeeds to the Command of the Post, and De- 
partn,ent. Scant Rations. Knox's Letter. Quarter-Master General 
resigns. Embarrassments of the Army. New York. Arnold to com- 
mand the Highands. Mr. Duer's Letter. Moody a Spy. Derange- 
ment of the Department. Correspondence with Arnold. Prisoners 
ordered to Camp. Moody detained. Lamb's Opinion against. Ar- 
nold weakens the Garrison. Lamb remonstrates. Correspondence 
with Arnold. Malcom. Knox. 17S0. 242 to 253 



CHAPTER XIX. 

Moody's Case submitted to Washington. Ordered to Camp. Army of- 
fer Battle. Letter from Col. Varrick. Joshua Smith. Arnold's Vis- 
its. Conversation at Arnold's Table. Mrs. Arnold at Head Quarters. 
Guns ordered to Dobbs's Ferry. Delayed. Vulture in Haverstraw 
Bay. Requisition for Powder. Reluctantly granted. Purpose for 
which it was expended. Vulture driven from her Position. Wash- 
ington arrives at Fishkill. At the Garrison. Arnold receives Jami- 
son's Letter. Escapes. Washington receives News. Disclosed to 
Lamb. Orders to Verplancks and Stoney Point. Back to West 
Point. Varrick's Illness. Uneasiness. His Letters. Oswald's. 
Smith's Trial. Causes of Arnold's Defection. McDougall in com- 
mand. Superseded by St. Clair. Lamb commands Artillery. . At 
Fishkill. 254 to 271 

CHAPTER XX. 

Attack on Fort George. Fort Ann. Brant's Incursion. Repelled. 
Distress of the Army. Mutiny, Wayne's Division. British tamper 
with Mutineers. Overtures rejected. Holland and Spain. Design 
on New York. Conference at Wetherslield. Attempt fails. Dis- 
patches stolen. Moody the Spy. Smith. Arnold. Preparations fur 
the South. Rev. Mr. Mason's Letter. Order to march Cross the 
Hudson. The Delaware. Head of Elk. James River. Yorktown 
invested. Redoubts stormed. French Battery carried. Retaken. 
Chamade. Capitulation. 1780,1781. 272 to 280 



CONTENTS. IX. 

CHAPTER XXL 

American Artillery. Complimented in General Order. Ordered to the 
North. Burlington. Letter from Gov. Clinton. Col. Willett. Go- 
vernment of Vermont. Letter to Washington. Reply. Effects of 
the Capture of York. Negotiations. Inactivity of Congress. Of the 
States generally. Vigor of New York. Of Connecticut. Fourth of 
July at Trenton. March from Burlington. Address of the Citizens. 
Cessation of hostilities at the North. Conflicts on the Sound. 

2S1 to 292 

CHAPTER XXII. 

Lamb on Furlough. Confined all Winter with the Gout. Not in Camp 
when the Newburgh Letters were produced. Denounced the Author. 
Order of the Cincinnati. Opposed by Many. Attacked by Judge 
Burke. Lamb a Member. City evacuated. Return of the Exiles. 
Lamb elected to the Assembly. Chairman of the Committee on Com- 
merce. Adverse to the Restoration of the Royalists. Votes against 
them. Chairman of Committee on Regulation of Trade, and the Mili- 
tia. Favors the Establishment of a Bank. The Emission of Bills of 
Credit. The Bill fOr the Disfranchising of the Tories. Appointed 
Collector of the Customs of New York, and withdraws from the Legis- 
lature. Tories favored by Schuyler, and Hamilton, gain Ground. 
British. French Parties. Death of Anthony Lamb. His Character. 
La Fayette embarks from New York. French Officers and Citizens 
insulted. Complaint of the French Consul. Action of the Legisla- 
ture on motion of Col. Burr. Weakness of the Confederacy. Quali- 
fied Grant of the Imposts of Congress. Deemed insuflicient. Convo- 
cation at Annapolis. Call of the Convention. Gov. Clinton refuses a 
special Call of the Legislature, at the Request of Congress. 293 to 303 

CHAPTER XXIII. 

Influence of the Sons of Liberty declines. McDougall secedes. Dies. 
Schuyler, and Hamilton in the Ascendant. Sears on a Voyage to 
China. Dies at Canton. Of the old agitators. Lamb, Hughes, and 
Willett, of the State Rights Party. Convention assembles in Phila- 
delphia. Debates. Propositions which transcend the Powers of the 
New York Delegation submitted. Favored by Hamilton. Opposed 
by Yates, and Lansing. They secede from the Convention. Consti- 
tution adopted. General Dissatisfaction. Appeased by the Efforts of 
Hamilton, Jay, and Madison. Organization of the Opponents of Rati- 
fication, without Preliminary Amendments. Lamb Chairman of the 
Committee of Correspondence. Anti-Adoptionists assume the Name 



X. CONTENTS. 

of Federal Republicans. Letters of Patrick Henry. Richard Henry 
Le?. jE-lanus Burke. Rawlins Lowndes. Samuel Chase. Joshua 
Atherton.' George Clinton. Reorganization of the Non-Adoptionists 
as Federal Republicans. Propose George Clinton as the Candidate of 
the Party for Vice President, with Washington. Amendments adopted, 
and Acquiescence of the State Rights Party. 304 to 329 

CHAPTER XXIV. 

Party Excitements. Quarrel between Oswald, and Hamilton. Duel 
prevented. Heats in Albany. Greene Street Battle. Attack on 
Greenleaf s Office in New York. On Gen. Lamb's House, meditated. 
Preparations for Defence. Design Abandoned. Washington no- 
minates Lamb for the Collectorship. Senate confirm. French Re- 
volution. Party Heats. Republicans side with the French. The 
Federalists lean to the other Pary. Aggressions of the British. Con- 
tested Election between Jay, and Clinton. Clinton successful. Second 
Presidential Election. Some Votes cast for Clinton. Arrival of Genet, 
the French Minister. Great Honors paid him. Cities address him. 
A French Frigate arrives. Officers feasted. Fleet arrives. French 
Privateers fitted out in the Delaware. Lieutenants of the Ambuscade 
decoyed on board the Boston. The Boston sends a Challenge to the 
Ambuscade. Accepted. Battle. Captain of the Boston killed. Bos- 
ton escapes. 330 to 341 

CHAPTER XXV. 

Bets upon the Issue of the Battle French Party elated. Mortification 
of the English. Genet arrives in the City. Demonstrations of Re- 
spect. Arrogance of the Minister. Government neutral. Genet 
threatens to appeal to Congress from the President's decision Charged 
with threatening to appeal to the People. Denies the charge Calls 
upon the Attorney-General of the U. S. to prosecute Jay and King for 
circulating the Report. Attorney-General refuses. Ultraism of Party 
on both Sides. Tri-colored Cockade worn by the Republicans. Term 
Democrat introduced. Democratic Society formed. Governor orders 
the Ships of War of both Nations below Governor's Island. French Li- 
berty Cap mounted on the Flag-staff at the Tontine. Contested Election 
between Jay and Yates. Jay successful. Jay's Treaty denounced. 
Public Meetings. Democrats burn the Treaty. Quarrel between Gen. 
Hamilton and Comm.odore Nicholson. Compromised. Popularity of 
Genet declines. Lamb's ill Health Death of his Assistant and Son- 
in-law. Death of Col. Oswald. Infidelity of Lamb's Clerk. Conse- 
quent Difficulties. Attack of the Gout. Death. His Character. 

342 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 



4 »» » f 



PREFATORY CHAPTER. 



The American Revolution, which has produced such ex- 
traordinary results at home and abroad, and which is des- 
tined to cause still greater changes in the European world, 
will elevate the eighteenth century beyond that of any of 
its predecessors in the annals of history. The success of the 
great struggle for liberty, which was by the many supposed 
hopeless, and which present historians deem almost mira- 
culous, was brought about by the courage and perseverance 
of a few indomitable spirits, whom no labor could weary or 
danger appal; and it was by their moral courage and intre- 
pidity, that this great Revolution was begun, continued, and 
ended. 

Many of those who figured largely in the history of the 
times; and some even, who swayed the councils of the nation 
after the struggle was successfully begun, were content with 
encouraging the revolt of others, without committing them- 
selves; and kept within the pale of safety, until they could 
embark, without fear, upon the perilous sea. But there 
were some who were not only the principal agitators, but 
actors in the most daring exploits; and who threw them- 
selves into the breach, in the most dangerous conjunctures. 
Had it not been for these, who took upon themselves the 
fearful responsibility of directing and participating in overt 
acts of rebellion, the studied arguments of others, who wished 



2 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

to bring on a crisis, but shrunk from its dangerous concomi- 
tants, would have been unavailing. 

These were the men who banded themselves together at 
the first encroachments of the mother country, under the de- 
signation of associated Sons of Liberty; and whose boldness 
and constancy drove the ^ministerial part}- to abandon their 
open attempts, and to mask their resolved purposes under 
measures less palpable to the general perception. 

The intent of the first association, was to put down the 
Stamp Act; and when this was effected, the object of the 
society appeared to be accomplished. But the acts of Par- 
liament, simultaneous with, and subsequent to, the repeal, 
gave to the more sagacious a cause for alarm, greater than 
the obnoxious bill which had been rescinded. The Billeting 
Act, or Mutiny Bill, by establishing a standing army in the 
Colonies at their own charge, was intended to strengthen the 
arm of the royal authority, to overawe the Assembly, and to 
coerce the people to acquiesce in the impositions of the Pcir- 
liament. 

History is full of the resistance to the enormous assump- 
tions of the mother country by New England and at the 
south; but little is said of the attitude of New York in that 
dangerous crisis. And yet in that Colony, where the power 
of the sovereign was almost omnipotent, notwithstanding 
the exertions of the most wealthy inhabitants, whose large 
estates were held by grants from the crown; and whose sub- 
servience to the royal mandates, influenced the Assembly, 
together with all those who subsisted by the royal bounty; 
there was found a chosen few who remained constant to the 
last; and who, when all seemed lost, kept alive the spirit of 
resistance, until from a feeble and hopeless minority they 
were enabled to triumph over the power of the colonial 
government, and prostrate the royal authority forever. 

The association of the Sons of Liberty was organized in 
1765, soon after the passage of the Stamp Act, and extended 
throughout the colonies, from Massachusetts to South Caro- 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 



lina. It appears that New York was the central post from 
which communications were despatched, to and from the 
east, and to the south as far as Maryland; which province 
was the channel of communication to and from its neighbors 
of Virginia and the Carolinas. 

As the post-offices were under the control of the govern- 
ment, and the riders not at all times reliable, the committee 
of New York (and probably the other provinces adopted the 
same course), upon extraordinary occasions, despatched in- 
telligence by special messengers; and if need were, a part of 
their members visited in person the neighboring associations, 
to ensure the perfect organization of the patriotic league. 

The New York Association had a correspondent in Lon- 
don, to whom an account was given of their proceedings, 
and from whom intelligence was from time to time trans- 
mitted, of the proceedings and the supposed designs of the 
Ministry, which was disseminated among the people by the 
association at home. A record of the names of the most 
active of the leaders, would be a desirable document; but as 
this would be difficult to be obtained, without great labor, 
and, perhaps, by a single individual impossible; a list of the 
committees in the different provinces, so far as they can be 
ascertained from the remaining papers of the committee of 
New York, might be the means of initiating inquiry in other 
quarters towards producing the desired effisct. 

Those from Maryland will appear from the following ex- 
tract from " The Proceedings of the Sons of Liberty, March 
1, 1766." 

The Sons of Liberty of Baltimore county and Anne Arun- 
del county, met at the Court House of the city of Annapolis, 
the first day of March, 1766. 

On motion of a Son of Liberty, to appoint a moderator 
and secretary, the Rev. Andrew Lendrum was chosen mode- 
rator, and William Paca, secretary. 

Joseph Nicholson, from Kent county, presented an address 
from that county, signed Wm. Ringgold, Wm. Stephenson, 



4 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

Thomas Ringgold, Jr., Joseph McHard, Gideon McCauley, 
Daniel Fox, Benj. Binning, Wm. Bordley, Jarvis James, 
William Stukely, Jos. Nicholson, Jr., James Porter, Thomas 
Ringgold, Jas. Anderson, Thos. Smyth, Wm. Mmray, Jos. 
Nicholson, Geo. Garnet, S. Boardley, Junr., Peroy Frisby, 
Hen. Vandike, and John Bolton. 

William Paca, Samuel Chase, and Thos. B. Hands, were 
the Anne Arundel County Committee. 

John Hall, Robert Alexander, Corbin Lee, James Heath, 
John Moale, and William Lux, were the Baltimore County 
Committee. 

Thomas Chase, D. Chamier, Robt. Adair, Patrick Allison, 
and W. Smith, were the Baltimore Town Committee. 

Pennsylvania. — William Bradford and Isaac Howell, the 
Correspondents at Philadelphia. 

JSTew Jersey. — Daniel Hendrickson, Minister; Peter Imlay, 
Jr., Joseph Holmes, Jr., Peter Covenhoven, Jr., and Elisha 
Lawrence, Jr., were the Committee of Upper Freehold. 

Richard Smith, of Burlington. 

Henry Bickers, of New Brunswick. 

Connecticut. — Jo. Burrows. 

Jona. Sturgis, Fairfield. 

John Durkee, Norwich. 

Hugh Ledlie, Windham. • 

JYew York. — John Lamb, Isaac Sears, William Wiley, 
Edward Laight, Thomas Robinson, Flores Bancker, Charles 
Nicoll, Joseph Allicoke, and Gershom Mott. 

Jer. Van Rensselaer, Mynd. Roseboom, Rob. Henry, and 
Thos. Yomig, Albany. 

John S. Hobart, Gilbert Potter, Thomas Brush, Cornelius 
Conklin, and Nathaniel Williams, Huntington, Long Island. 

George Townsend, Barack Sneething, Benj. Townsend, 
George Weeks, Michael Weeks, and Rowland Chambers, 
Oyster Bay, Long Island. 

Note. — The foregoing was published in the Home Journal, January 
7, 1848, from which it was copied into Scars''s Pictorial History of the 
United States. 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 



CHAPTER I. 

Introduction. — Sons of Liberty. — Moral Influence of their exertions on 
the Revolution. — Efl!ect on subsequent Revolutions in Europe. — Birth 
and Parentage of John Lamb. — Early Occupation. — Characteristics. — 
Opposed to ministerial aggressions. — A Leader of the Sons of Libe rty. 
— The Stamp Act. — Early Action of the South and East. — Opposition 
of the Continental Colonies. — Of Jamaica. — St. Christopher. — Stamp 
Distributors. — Burnt in Effigy at Boston — Rebuked at New Haven. 
— New York aroused. — Lieut. -Gov. Colden makes preparation for en- 
forcing the Act. — Repairs the Forts. — Colden burnt in Effigy. — De- 
struction of Private Property not intended. — Gen. Gage's forbearance. 
— Colden delivers the Stamps to the Corporation. 

The three last centuries have produced more important 
events than any which have occurred in the same period of 
time which has preceded them. Neither the Jewish nor the 
Roman empire, ever made such rapid strides to power, as 
that nation founded by the descendants of persecuted exiles, 
who sought refuge in another hemisphere, from the tyranny 
and misrule of the mother country. 

From the proscriptions begun by Elizabeth, and continued 
by her successors, the Puritans were forced to seek in the 
wilderness, the freedom of conscience which was denied them 
at home. And although resentment of their many wrongs, 
at first produced in them the same intolerance towards dis- 
senters from their particular creed, as that under which they 
had suffered; yet as the Colonies increased in population by 
the influx of emigration, the fanaticism which had grown 
up among them, yielded to a more generous sentiment, while 
the trials to which they were subjected preparatory to the 
great effort of the Parliament to reduce them to vassalage, 
had produced a more extended intercourse, which assisted to 
form a national character, peculiarly adapted to sustain them 
in the Revolution which followed, and in the subsequent 
establishment of their Constitutional Government. 



6 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

Resistance to the arbitrary principles adopted by the 
Stuarts at an early period, drove some of the best citizens 
of England into exile. And when at the restoration, the 
descendants of the first Charles (inheriting of the character- 
istics of their father, nothing but his dissimulation and his 
obstinacy), commenced their career of proscription; the Pil- 
grims of the Colonies derived a. precious accession to their 
physical and moral strength, by the expatriation of thousands 
with resolution to dare every thing, to preserve the religious 
and civil principles for which they first drew their swords, 
and for the defence of which, they were driven into exile. 

The transactions of the preceding reigns, and the discus- 
sions which grew out of them, had well expounded those 
principles; and the men who had been actors, or participators 
in those momentous events, had so inculcated them into the 
succeeding generations, that it needed but collision to pro- 
duce the spark of patriotism, which set the whole of the 
Colonies in flame. It was the peculiar character and con- 
stitution of mind of the Colonists, formed by these persecu- 
tions of their ancestors, that enabled them successfully to 
resist the encroachments of the mother country. The remem- 
brance of the wTongs of their fathers, and the glorious re- 
sistance which they had made at home, determined them to 
defend, at all hazards, the precious inheritance to which 
they had succeeded; and they watched with jealous eye, the 
first effort of the British Parliament to invade their privileges, 
and to fetter them in political bondage. 

The designs of the ministry were early detected; and as 
they gradually developed themselves in successive acts of 
Parliament restricting the trade of the Colonies, the obnoxious 
encroachments were every where met with boldness, and 
resisted with energy. The law imposing stamp duties; the 
crowning act of an infatuated ministiy, directly affected all 
classes of society, and met with universal resistance; and 
the measures resorted to, in order to compel its recision, 
and to reform other abuses; though ruinous to many, and 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 7 

severely onerous to all, were submitted to, and endured with 
unexampled patriotism and patience. 

The unanimity and perseverance of all ranks, were much 
promoted by the unceasing efforts of the associated Sons of 
Liberty. The organization of that patriotic band, which 
pervaded every part of the Colonies, was the germ of the 
Revolution. By their intrepidity, the spirit of the masses 
was aroused; and by their persevering industry and zeal, the 
people were excited to oppose all efforts to enslave them. 
These bold spirits, formed the nucleus of the future armies of 
the Revolution. And it is to the moral courage which they 
displayed, and the indomitable resolution with which they 
braved all dangers, that the world is indebted for the illus- 
trious example set by the infant Colonies to Europe, and the 
foundation of a free and powerful Empire. 

The influence of these patriotic men, and the successful 
issue of the struggle began by their boldness, and sustained 
by their energies, has scattered abroad the seeds of Freedom. 
These have borne fruit, in encouraging a spirit of inquiry 
throughout the civilized world; reforming despotic govern- 
ments; regenerating the fairest portion of the other conti- 
nent; and given jto France, the best king that has occupied 
her throne since the days of Charlemagne: and perhaps the 
best government which the moral constitution of her people 
enables them to bear.* 

If the successful issue of the Revolution has solved the 
problem of the possible existence of a free, yet powerful 
government, the meed of applause is due: first, to the devoted 
individuals, who, despising the dangers and disgraces to 
which they were exposed, set at naught the penalties and 
disqualifications of conspiracy and treason — and entered into 
the contest with a full knowledge of all its hazards, and with 
a determination to persist to the death to effect their eman- 

* The whirlwind of Revolution has swept over Europe since these 
lines were written, but as yet, the writer sees no cause to change the 
opinions expressed in them. 



o LIFE OF JOHN i^AMii. 

cipation: and secondly, to those brave men who bore arras 
in the subsequent struggle: and to all these, however ob- 
scure their names, or imperfect their efforts, the Nation at 
large owe a deep and lasting gratitude. 

The task of perpetuating the fame of many of the great 
leaders of the Revolution, has fallen into the hands of able 
historians, who have well performed that duty. To rescue 
from oblivion, and to do justice to the founders of our liber- 
ties, whose personal or moral courage were instrumental in 
producing great and universal benefits to mankind, is pecu- 
liarly the duty of the present age. Now, when the present 
race, who enjoy the blessings purchased by the blood of their 
fathers, are fast verging to the grave; it is incumbent on all 
who have the means of elucidating past transactions, or the 
power to do justice to the actors in the scenes which have 
preceded them, to lend their efforts, before they are them- 
selves called to account, lest the deeds of their ancestors be 
forever forgotten. 

Dunlap, in his useful history, has done much to perpetuate 
the memory of many of that patriotic association, the Sons 
of Liberty. To the names of Sears, McDougall, Willett and 
Hamilton, mentioned by him, may be added those of John 
Lamb, Hugh Hughes, Gershom Mott, William Wiley, and 
Thomas Robinson; w^ho composed the most efficient and 
determined committees, from 1765 to the breaking out of the 
war; and who were in active correspondence with the pa- 
triots of the other Colonies, and aided by their labors to keep 
up the ardor of opposition to the encroachments of the 
Ministry. 

The claims of Hamilton and Willett have been advocated 
by their respective sons. Some account of both Sears and 
McDougall, will be found in the succeeding chapters. The 
first was a man of great personal intrepidity; forward in 
dangerous enterprises, and ready at all times to carry out the 
boldest measures; the latter more cautious and circumspect, 
yet not unwilling to hazard his personal safety whenever the 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 9 

occasion required. It is matter of much regret, that more 
ample materials do not remain, to do justice to these and 
others of the fraternity. 

Of the many who earliest embarked in the Revolution, and 
staked their lives and fortunes on the result, none were more 
active and conspicuous than John Lamb, the subject of this 
memoir. Of an ardent temper, yet cool in the formation 
and execution of important designs; of undaunted courage 
and indomitable perseverance, he entered with the enthusiasm 
of his nature into the stormy scenes of that period, and ex- 
erted all his physical and mental faculties to further the cause 
of emancipation. 

His father, Anthony Lamb, was a native of England, from 
whence he emigrated to this country, and married in the city 
of New York a lady of Dutch parentage, named Ham; of 
which marriage the subject of this history was born on the 
first of January, 1735. Anthony Lamb was the most cele- 
brated and skilful optician, and maker of mathematical in- 
struments, in this country of that day, and carried on those 
occupations with great success. In early youth, the son fol- 
lowed the occupation of his father. But he did not long 
continue in those pursuits, for about the year 1760 he com- 
menced the business of wine merchant; and through the 
troublesome times which preceded the war, was largely en- 
gaged in the liquor trade.* About the period of his majority, 

* Previous to the year 1762, Mr. Lamb had commercial relations with 
an individual named Cairns, who was for some time located at Havana. 
Shipments were made to hiin from time to time, and wine and other 
commodities received on account. Cairns, after suffering the balance 
against him to amount to four thousand pounds, embarked for Liverpool 
in England. The vessel on board which he had taken passage, foundered 
at sea; and the crew and passengers, taking to the boat, escaped to the 
shore. On arriving at Charleston, S. C; Cairns despatched letters, 
ante-dated at Havana to New York, requesting that insurance to a large 
amount should be made on property to be shipped on board the vessel 
then about to sail. It so happened that in the same mail, in which these 
letters were transmitted, an account of the loss of the ship was sent, but 

2 



10 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

he married Catherine Jandine, a lady of Huguenot descent; 
and at the commencement of the war, was the father of three 
children; the youngest of whom, then four years old, is the 
present General Anthony Lamb of Albion Place, late Alder- 
man of the city of New York. 

Although Mr. Lamb had not the advantage of a classical 
education, he was possessed of more than the usual share of 
the literature of that period. He was well versed in the 
belle-lettre knowledge of the day; spoke. his mother's native 
tongue, and German fluently ; and was a proficient in the 
French language. This last acquirement was perhaps of 
more service than a deeper erudition, in his subsequent 
miliiary career, as it enabled him to avail himself of various 
works on military science, not then rendered into English. 
He was a fluent speaker, and a forcible and ready writer. 
His style of composition was bold and nervous, and he was 
not restrained by fear of the law of libel, nor the military 
power of the time, from giving full scope to his indignation 

the name of the wrecked vessel was .u.cealed. The insurance was ef- 
fected, and Cairns laid claim to the amount of the policy. Ife even com- 
menced proceedings against the insurers, and flattered his creditors that 
he would be able to pay his debts out of the amount to be recovered. 

But the fraud was resisted ; and from something having transpired un- 
favorable to his character, Cairns absconded, and for a long time was not 
heard of. It now became doubtful, whether, in reality, he had anything 
on board the lost vessel, and it was suspected that he had previously 
transmitted his property to Europe; and that by the meditated fraud 
upon the underwriters, he meant that they should furnish means of in- 
demnity for his creditors. 

Many years elapsed, when a man disguised as a Turk, came from the 
Levant and set up a Bazaar in London, for the sale of Turkish merchan- 
dise. For some time he continued this business; but being detected, the 
impostor proved to be Cairns, who again absconded. 

Near the close of the war, Mr. Lamb, then Colonel of Artillery, re- 
ceived a letter from the brother of his defaulting agent, requesting an 
interview, and intimating that he had disclosures to make which would 
be benehcial to him; but being unwilling to e.\pose himself to a confer- 
ence too near the British lines, the interview was for that time declined, 
and no meeting was had until after the peace. 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. H 

upon all occasions, when the acts of the crown conflicted 
with the libei'ties of the people. 

The patriotic paper printed by John Holt; Hugh Gaines's 
sheet; and the Gazette and Spy, cotemporary papers pub- 
lished at Boston, were the chief vehicles which conveyed in- 
telligence to the people; and all bear evidence of the indus- 
try and ability of Mr. Lamb.* In addition to his printed 
writings, he held an active correspondence with kindred 
spirits in Baltimore, Philadelphia, Boston, &c. The history 
of this city, from the commencement of the troubles which 
preceded the Revolution, to the breaking out of the war in 
1775, is in fact, the history in part, of the subject of this 
memoir: as no important political movement was made, or 
practical demonstration exhibited, which his mind had not 
assisted to plan, or his hand to execute. Although his name 
is not so frequently mentioned as some others; as he was in 
most cases the narrator of the events; and the exploits of his 
coadjutors figure more largely than his own: he was, not- 
withstanding, the principal agitator. A succinct detail, 
therefore, of the general transactions of that time, will not 
be deemed inappropriate. 

From the earliest periods, when the British Ministry, un- 
mindful of the wise counsels of Sir Robert Walpole, aban- 
doned the prudent measures of the preceding reign, and be-- 
gan to fetter the commerce of the Colonies; Mr. Lamb was 
found the steady and determined opposer of all vexatious 
restrictions, and encroachments. The adoption of regula- 
tions ostensibly to prevent smuggling, but in reality to cut 
off the trade of the Colonies with those in this hemisphere 
belonging to other powers: a trade not contravening in spirit 
any acts of Parliament, was a very injurious blow to the 
colonial merchants generally; and bore with peculiar seve- 

* Among the Handbills of the New York Historical Library, many con- 
tarn intrinsic evidence of having been written by him. The one signed 
A Plebeian, can be safely claimed, as the typographical errors are cor- 
rected in his hand-writing. That also signed A Mechanic, has strong 
identity of parentage with the Plebeian. 



12 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

rity upon the interests of Mr. Lamb, as he dealt chiefly with 
commodities, the growth of France and Spain, and was in 
the habit of importing largely from the islands of those 
powers, the products necessary to his commerce. 

The Colonists had submitted, but not without murmuring, 
to the system of taxation by impost duties, as the profits of 
trade enabled them to bear their imperceptible burthens; and 
they bounded their repugnance to these acts, to petitions and 
remonstrances. But when the Minister unmasked his de- 
signs, and brought forward his incipient measure of direct 
taxation, the obnoxious duty on stamped paper; they took 
bolder and more active measures to resist the alarming en- 
croachments. Against this act the dissatisfaction was uni- 
versal; and many who subsequently figured as the firmest 
supporters of the British government, and afterwards bore 
arms against the men with whom they were then acting, 
were no way backward in resistance. Even the legal pro- 
fession, the last to feel the effect of stringent measures of 
taxation, felt themselves wofully embarrassed in their affairs; 
and the judicial business of the Colonies was threatened with 
ruinous impediments, by the operation of the law. And when 
early in the year 1765, the Minister brought forward the act, 
to be obligatory in all the British Colonies, all those on the 
continent entered into a system of united opposition. 

Vigorous efforts w^ere made to rouse the people to resist- 
ance, and induce them to consent to measures of non-impor- 
tation from Great Britian, before the Congress, which assem- 
bled in New York in 1765, was convened. But after that 
Congress had met, and the merchants of all the trading 
towns, and members of the legal profession had entered into 
the measures recommended by^the Congress, as the most ef- 
fective means of averting the threatened evil, the Sons of 
Liberty determined to exert a " vigor beyond the law," to 
compel the Minister to rescind the act. 

The popular press in New York, teemed with firm, but 
moderate articles, against the reception of the stamps; but 
in imitation of the journals in the neighboring colonies, 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 13 

gradually warmed, as the final struggle approached. A pa- 
per in New Haven, published an admonition and rebuke, to 
the distributor appointed for that city, which seemed equally 
applicable to all who had accepted the odious office, and 
which was copied with approval by the papers of the other 
provinces. Three days before this publication, the people 
of Boston, not having been apprised that their distributor had 
resigned, burnt his effigy with the usual ceremonies. James 
McEvers, the distributor appointed for New York, had early 
given out, that he would not execute the duties of his office- 
and warned by these indications of the public feeling, reite- 
rated more emphatically his determination, and refused to 
take the stamps into custody on their arrival. And the south 
from Carolina to the Hudson, had declared their resolution 
to resist the operation of the law. Intelligence was received 
that the islands of Jamaica and St. Christopher were resolved 
to oppose the reception of the obnoxious papers; and the 
colonies of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, were not be- 
hind their brethren of New England, in overt acts of repu- 
diation. Even Canada, revolted at the degrading law, and 
resolved to oppose it. 

The colony of New York, had not made many open de- 
monstrations of hostility to the law: yet the Sons of Liberty 
had pledged cooperation to their brethren abroad; and were 
determined not to be out done, in any act of zeal, in the de- 
fence of their constitutional rights. The necessity of securing" 
the fidelity of the popular press of the city, was obvious; and 
some fears were entertained, that the conductor might shrink 
from the responsibility of publishing his journal upon 
unstamped paper, in direct disobedience of the law On 
the evening of the thirty-first of October, placards were 
placed at the Coffee House, and letters* thrown in at the win- 

*As you have hitherto proved yourself a friend to liberty, by publishing 
such compositions as had a tendency to promote the cause we are engaged 
in, we are encouraged to hope you will not be deterred from continuing 
your useful paper, by groundless fear of the detestable stamp act 

However, should you at this critical time shut up the press, and basely 



14 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

dows of the publisher's office, admonitory of the consequences 
of defection. In reply to which, he* published a manifesto, 
resolving to issue his paper as usual, in defiance of the law. 

On the 3 1st of October, the day before the law was to take 
effect, a meeting had been called at Burns's Coffee House, 
at which a large concourse were assembled, and resolves were 
passed to enforce opposition to the distribution of the stamps, 
and to form associations to discourage the importation of 
goods from Great Britain until the act was rescinded. The 
resolves were approved by a large majority of the meeting, 
and two hundred merchants subscribed them. At this meet- 
ing it was proposed to raise a committee to correspond with 
the different Colonies, and to propose articles of confederacy, 
the better to give effect to the resolves. Many prominent 
names were put in nomination, but the duty was declined. 
At length Isaac Sears, John Lamb, Gershom Mott, William 
Wiley, and Thomas Robinson, the most ardent of the asso- 
ciated Sons of Liberty, men w-hom danger could not appal, 
volunteered their services, and were accepted. 

Gordon asserts that this committee was appointed by a 
meeting of the 6th November, and he is followed by all sub- 
sequent historians. But it can not be discovered from the 
papers of the day that any such meeting was held. Botta 
has been misled into a similar error; but at the same time 
discloses the mistake, when he says that this meeting coerced 
from Lieut.-Gov. Golden the surrender of the stamped paper 
to the corporation; an event which occurred before the day 
on which the meeting was said to have been held. 

The cause of these errors was this: Holt's paper was is- 

desert us, depend upon it, your house, person, and effects, will be in im- 
minent danger. We shall therefore expect your paper on Thursday as 
usual; if not on Thursday evening. Take care. 

Signed in the name, and by the order, of a great number of the Free 

Sons of New York. 

On the Turf, the 2d November, 1765. 

John Hampden. 
* Holt's paper. 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. I5 

sued weekly, and the meeting of the 31st October, at which 
the committee was raised, was not published in the paper of 
that day, but was deferred until the 7th of November, the 
next day* of publication. 

On the evening of the day on which the committee was 
chosen, the people assembled in masses, and some disturbance 
was threatened; but the authorties of the city quickly dis- 
persed them, and the night quietly passed away. 

The first day of November had now arrived; the awful 
day, when the abominable rescript was to begin its opera- 
. tion. The people had become excited by the apparent de- 
termination of Lieut.-Gov. Golden to enforce the act, and to 
issue the stamps which were lodged within the Fort This 
officer had not been the least backward of the Colonial ma- 
gistrates, in inducing the Minister to adopt the most rigor- 
ous measures: and he was marked by the people for having 
requested an extension of his power and means, to compel 
them to obedience. He had been accused of declaring his 
intention to coerce submission; and it is certain that he had 
ordered repairs to the Fort, and made other warlike demon- 
strations. These, increased by many other causes of dislike, 
were the motives which incited the popular leaders to bestow- 
some signal marks of reprobation upon him. They there- 
fore, with great order, and with the usual solemnities, pro- 
ceeded to burn his effigy; which was effected withou't any 
serious outbreak, except consuming his state chariot, together 
with his obnoxious resemblance.f 

Although this was done under the very walls of the Fort, 
and in full view of the soldiers stationed on the ramparts- 
Gen. Gage, the commander of the forces, afterwards Gover- 
nor of Massachusetts, restrained the troops from firing upon 
the rioters; for which act of prudence and forbearance the 
Common Council of the City ordered an official expression 
of their respect and gratitude. It was undoubtedly the in- 

* Holt's paper, Botta, vol. i., p. 74, et seq. 
t Holt's paper, 1192. 



16 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

tention of the promoters of this manifestation of reproof to 
Gov. Golden, that the affair should have ended with a bon 
fire;* but some of the rioters, disregarding the commands of 
their leaders, proceeded to commit violence and waste upon 
the property of Maj. James, one of His Majesty's officers, 
living in the upper part of the city. This catastrophe the 
leaders vainly strove to avert: as at the outset they had 
issued the strictest prohibition against the destruction of 
private property. But those orders had been violated in 
this respect, as well as in the destruction of the Governor's 
chariot. They were unavoidable consequences; and it is 
more matter of surprise that greater excesses were not per- 
petrated, than that these should have been indulged in. 

Stamped papers had been brought from England by a 
Capt. Davis, on the 23d October, and Mr. McEvers, the dis- 
tributor appointed, not being willing to receive them, they 
had been lodged in the Fort. 

The day after this emeute, Gov. Golden gave public notice 
that he would not issue the stamps, but would leave them to 
the discretion of Sir Henry Moore, the Governor, who was 
on his way from England, and hourly expected. Some of 
the most respectable citizens gave confirmation of the Go- 
vernor's intention under their own signatures. Still the 
people were not satisfied, and required that they should be 
delivered out of the Fort to the captain of His Majesty's 
ship Coventry, to be reshipped to England; and upon his 
refusal to receive them, they insisted that the Governor 
should surrender them to the Gommon Gouncil, to be depo- 
sited in the City Hall. This was done on the 5th of Novem- 
ber; the Mayor giving a receipt for their security against 
loss or destruction. 

* Some of the historians of the time, who have been followed by Botta, 
ascribe this affair to the sudden outbreak of the loiver class. This is not 
true. It was planned by the leaders of the Sons of Liberty, and exe 
cuted under the direction of Lamb, Sears, and others of the fraternity; 
who were merchants, traders, and reputable mechanics. The mob, how- 
ever, followed them, and committed the destruction of private property. 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 1 7 



CHAPTER II. 

Consequences of the Outbreak of 1st November.— Committee to enforce 
Recommendations of Congress.— Action of Philadelphia.— Quickened 
by the Committee.— Arrival of Gov. Moore.— His conciliatory Policy. 
—Countermands Military Preparations.— Satisfaction of the People.— 
Minerva searched for Connecticut Stamps.-Threatening Letter to the 
Assembly.— Stamps for Connecticut burnt.— Reproof of Lieut. Hal- 
lam, of the Garland.— Repeal of the Act.— Rejoicings.— Raising of 
the First Liberljr Pole.— Statue of the King.— Of Pitt.— Mutiny Act. 
—The King requires Compliance —Partial assent of the Legislature.' 
—Damages done by the Rioters to be paid.— Assembly evade.— Liberty 
Pole destroyed by Soldiers.- First Battle with the Citizens.— Second 
Pole destroyed.-Military Violence.-The King demands perfect Com- 
pliance with Mutiny Act.— Decision of the Assembly.— Third Liberty 
Pole destroyed.— Reerected —Unsuccessful attempt to destroy it with 
Gunpowder.— Violence of the Military.-Attack on Bardin's House. 

This was an important crisis in the affairs of the Colonies. 
The putting down the Stamp Act, was to them of vital im- 
portance, and failure was utter destruction. The leaders 
were therefore resolved to persevere to the last. All eyes 
were directed to New York, as the pivot upon which the 
insurrectionary movements would turnj and great fear had 
been entertained, lest this important link in the chain of the 
Union might be severed. The South and the East, had taken 
the boldest measures, and had forced their distributors to 
resign; burning the most obnoxious in effigy. 

Similar inflictions, were almost universal in the Northern 
and Eastern Colonies, but until the recent demonstration in 
New York, nothing of the energy demanded by the times, or 
expected by the people, had taken place. But this daring 
flight, this striking at a higher quarry, enlivened all hearts. 
While the other provinces had wreaked their vengeance 
upon minor officers of the crown; the sister, for whose faith 
3 



18 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

in the cause, most had been feared, had out-stripped thera 
all, and had taken the Lion by the beard. 

A royal Governor, so boldly rebuked and forced to sub- 
mission, placed New York in the front ranks of opposition, 
and second to none, in the array of the Revolutionary legion. 
The Sons of Liberty, in imitation of the Parliamentary 
armies of England, who made war upon the King, in the 
King's own name; justified the outbreak of the 1st Novem- 
ber* as an act of " true loyalty " due as leal subjects, in the 
exhibition of " warm, as well as timely zeal " in the " de- 
fence of His Majesty's person and government." The ground 
thus taken could not be very consolatory to His Majesty's 
representative, whose person had been desecrated, his autho- 
rity set at naught, and his property destroyed in the exhibi- 
tion; and it is to be presmned, that he " conned them no 
thanks " for this exuberance of their loyalty. 

The Committee of 31st October then proceeded to enforce 
the recommendations of the Congress of Octoberf at home, 
and to correspond with their brethren abroad, in furtherance 
of the great end in view. The Committee advised and di- 
rected that the English merchants should ship no more goods 
to the Colonies, until the repeal of the Stamp Act: and that 
the merchants at home should decline selling on commission, 
any such goods to be shipped after the 1st day of January, 
1766. This circular instruction was adopted with the greatest 
unanimity. 

A fair or market was established below the Exchange, 
for the vending of articles of home manufactures, to be con- 
tinued at stated periods, in order to obviate, as far as possi- 
ble, the inconvenience of the measures adopted.f 

In addition, they framed articles of Union to be adopted 
by the Confederated Colonies to resist the act; and for the 
assembling of a General Congress in case that the Ministry 

* Holt's paper. 

t This Congress assembled 7th October, and dissolved 25th. 

tHolt, 1195. 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

should resolve to enforce it. These were sent, first, to the 
Eastern Colonies for concurrence, and after having been 
adopted by them, were dispatched to the Committee of Bal- 
timore for the purpose of obtaining their approval, and that 
of the southern provinces, as will appear by the following 

letter :* 

New York, April 3d, 1766. 
Gentlemen : 

We are informed, with your's of the 24th, by Mr. M'Clure, 
with your [some word omitted,] which we conceive to be 
as efficacious as any that we have seen. 

Enclosed you have a plan of the present Union of the 
Colonies (according to promise), which was transmitted from 
here to Connecticut, and by them communicated to the other 
eastern provinces, in all which it has been approved of, and 
since sent westward. 

We desire that you would forward copies of it to all the 
southern governments, with as much dispatch as possible ; 
for we know not how soon we may be put to the test by 
that pack of infernal rascals, Granville and his minions. 

Whenever opportunity offers, we should be glad that you 
would communicate to Pennsylvania as much as possible. 

We should be fond of your opinion by the quickest con- 
veyance, relative to a General Congress, in case the "Act " 
is to be enforced, by means of whcih, a plan might be found 
to be pursued by the whole, as we expect our fate is decided 
ere now. The sooner you communicate the better. 
We are with the utmost esteem. 

Gentlemen, y'r H'ble Serv'ts. 

To the Committee in Baltimore. 

The Committee was active at home and abroad, and some 
intimations having been received that seemed to threaten 
defection in Philadelphia, Mr. Lamb proceeded to that city, 
and was successful in procuring a compliance with the pa- 
triotic regulations of the Congress. A short time after his 
arrival there, Mr. Hughes, the distributor, who had been re- 
luctant to relinquish his office, and was suspected of a design 
to resume it, if an opportunity should offer, published a per- 
fect renunciation, and avowed his resolution not to serve in 
any emergency. This determination was brought about by 

* Lamb's papers, N. Y. His. Soc. Botta, vol i, pp. 74, 75. 



20 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

letters from the Committee of 13th November, threatening 
a special delegation to assist him in his deliberations, and to 
quicken his conclusions* 

The ship Minerva, Capt. Tillet, had now arrived, having 
a second shipment of stamps j and a more desirable freight? 
in the person of Sir Henry Moore, the expected Governor. 
The stamps were lodged in the Fort, but the Governor on 
landing, declared that he would not compel their issue; and 
the people for a season were satisfied that they should remain 
there. The Assembly met the same day, being the one to 
which they had been adjourned; and at the Governor's re- 
quest, again adjourned until the next day.f The Governor 
ordered that the works at the Fort and batteries, which had 
been commenced by Lieut.-Gov. Golden, and which had been 
one of the causes of popular indignation against him, should 
be discontinued. 

These concessions of the Governor were exceedingly 
gratifying to the people. The Sons of Liberty sent him an 
address, congratulating him upon his arrival, and received a 
complaisant answer to their letter. On the next day, a large 
meeting of the populace assembled in the fields; J erected pyra- 
mids to his honor; and the evening concluded with a mag- 
nificent bonfire. The Municipal authorities addressed a let- 
ter to Gen. Gage, the commander of the forces, congratulating 
him upon the peaceful termination of the late alarming dis- 
turbances; and ascribing much to his prudence on the occa- 
sion. The General replied by a reciprocation of the ac- 
knowledgments of the corporation, and intimated that a 
sanguinary resistance on the night of the 1st, might have 
had an unfortunate tendency in fomenting the rebellious in- 
dications in the adjoining colonies. Possibly his Excellency 
was aware, that the Sons of Liberty had received letters from 
all quarters in the vicinity, advising them that the citizens 

* Lamb's papers, N. Y. His. Soc. 

t Assembly Journals. 

t Now known as the Park. 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 21 

would be sustained, should the military force be called into 
action* 

The citizens held a numerous meeting on the 25th, and 
renewed their resolves to discontinue importations unless the 
act was repealed; two hundred merchants signing an agree- 
ment to that effect. The retailers also determined to aid in 
carrying it into effective operation by refusing to purchase 
any goods imported in contravention of its provisions. A 
committee was appointed to address the city representatives, 
complaining of the restrictions on trade, and denouncing the 
act. The call for this assemblage was signed by the most 
wealthy and influential of the inhabitants; and in their ad- 
dress they assumed the boldest grounds against the preten- 
sions of the Mother Country, to impose taxes on the Colonies 
without their consent; particularly repudiating the obnoxious 
stamp act of the Ministry, as arbitrary and oppressive. The 
Assembly received this address without any extraordinary 
excitement. 

Peter Delancey, Jun., just arrived from England, had been 
appointed distributor for New York; but a committee of the 
Sons of Liberty convinced him of the danger of serving in 
that capacity, and he gave the most satisfactory evidence of 
his resignation, and of his determination to have no further 
concern in the enforcement of the act. 

Maryland had enforced the resignation of two of her dis- 
tributors; but Zachary Hood, the third, less wise or more 
daring, refused to abdicate, and fled to New York for protec- 
tion. He was burned in effigy at home, and after having 
been some time within the Fort, under the protection of the 
Lieutenant-Governor, he retired to Flushing on Long Island.* 
But h^ did not escape the vigilance of the New York Com- 
mittee, who sent a large deputation of the Sons of Liberty 
to compel him to resign, and to make oath of the sincerity 
of his renunciation, on the 28th November.f 

* Holt's papers. 

t For this salutary interposition, the Committee afterwards received 






22 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

The next day, Mr. Lott, the clerk of the house, produced 
and read an anonymous letter, couched in no humble terms, 
directing the Assembly to stop out of the Lieutenant-Gover- 
nor's salary, a sum sufficient to repair the damage done to 
forts and batteries, and to defray the expense of " unspiking 
the guns," which had been disabled on the night of the riot. 
Most of the histories assert that the populace spiked the 
guns, to prevent them from being directed against them ; but 
it was asserted by the people, that they had been disabled 
by the Governor's order, to prevent them from being used in 
an attack upon the Fort, which was apprehended by him. 
They were also required to repeal the " game laws," which 
were much complained of. The letter was in the incendiary 
style, and ought to have been passed by in silence, as the 
effusion of ignorance and brutality. But the friends of Gov. 
Colden, indignant at the audacious justification of the riot, 
and the impudent demand that the Governor should be 
mulcted for the damage to the public property; a part of 
which, at least, was done by those who were inflicting in- 
jury on him; gravely pronounced " that the author or authors 
were guilty of a high misdemeanor, and a most daring in- 
sult on the honor,, justice, and authority of the house," and 
offered fifty pounds for the discovery of the perpetrator. 

A Mr. Metcalfe, who had come over passenger in the 
Minerva, was also, on the 30th November, called upon by 

the especial thanks of their Baltimore brethren, in a letter, from which 
the following is an extract: 

Baltimore, 6th March, 1766. 
Our Society order us, in a particular manner, to return thanks to your 
Sons of Liberty, for obliging our fugitive stamp master to resign his 
odious office; he having fled from the just resentment of his injured coun- 
trymen. 

We are, Gentlemen, Your M't Ob't Serv'ts, 

Tho: Chase, Rob: Alexander, 

Wm. Lrx, Rob: Adair, 

D. CllAMlER, 

To the Sons of Liberty in New York. — Lamb^s papers, N. Y. His. See. 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB, 23 

the Committee, to know whether any commission had been 
given to him in relation to the stamps; and upon his denial, 
on honor, that he had none, and would accept of none, if 
oiFered to him, they were satisfied.* 

Mr. McEvers, who without his knowledge had been ap- 
pointed distributor for the city, had declined to receive the 
first stamps which had arrived, and had refused to accept 
his commission. But the people suspecting that he harbored 
the design of resimiing his appointment in case the law 
should be enforced, called upon him for an absolute and per- 
petual renunciation; and on the 2d December, procured the 
act to be signed by two witnesses.! 

The Sons of Liberty in New York having eflfectually se- 
cured themselves from the issue of the stamped papers, 
turned their attention to the protection of their brethren in 
the other colonies. It was known that the Minerva had 
brought out stamps for Connecticut; and a notice was pub- 
lished to the association, in the following words: 

26th December, 1765. 
The Sons of Liberty desire their bretheren to be ready at 
a call, when the public good, the only thing to which they 
are attentive, requires them to exert themselves. 
Meanwhile, let all divisions cease. 

A Son of LiBERTv.f 

They accordingly assembled, and at midnight boarded that 
vessel with a heavy force. The Commander assured them 
that the papers had been lodged in the Fort on the eleventh 
of the month. They however made a thorough search for 
the obnoxious documents, and finding none on board, they 
quietly dispersed. Not having succeeded in their quest of 
the papers, the Committee were on the alert to intercept 
them; and having, by secret advices from Philadelphia, as- 
certained that they were shipped on board of a brig com- 
manded by a Capt. Haviland, a bright look out was kept 

*Holt, 1169. 
tHolt, 1199. 



24 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

for the vessel. At length she made her appearance, was 
immediately boarded, and ten packages of stamps were 
found; these were seized, taken on shore to a convenient 
place, the ship yards, and committed to the flames.* 

Ascertaining from the same source, that Lewis Pintard, 
a merchant of the city, had sent to Philadelphia a bond, and 
Mediterranean pass, on stamped paper, the Committee found 
out the person from whom they had been procured, and 
compelled the delivery of all the papers in his possession; 
which were in like manner destroyed.! Mr. Pintard found 
it convenient, in order to elude the vengeance of the popu- 
lace, to declare an oath, that he was not aware that the docu- 
ments were stamped, at the time he transmitted them. The 
Committee, in order to put their brethren abroad on their 
guard, sent intelligence in both cases, of their proceedings, 
and received from the association in Philadelphia, the fol- 
lowing letters :| 

Philadelphia, Feb'y 15, 1766. 
Bretheren : 

The spirited manner of your proceedings, not only ani- 
mates us, your bretheren, embarked in the same good cause 
in this province, but extends the same influence to the Colo- 
nies southward of us, as we are informed by a true Son of 
Liberty from that quarter. And as your conduct in the pre- 
sent afiair of the Mediterranean bonds, is a most striking 
instance of your perseverance, we shall most cheerfully afford 
them the satisfaction you intend, by making them acquainted 
with every particular. Our body in this City is not de- 
clared numerous, as unfortunate dissentions in Provincial 
politics keep us rather a divided people : but when the grand 
cause calls on us, you may be assured we shall universally 
stand forth, and appear what we really are, 

Sons of Liberty in Philadelphia. 

Let the Committee of New York Sons of Liberty be in- 
formed, that as yet, no occasion has required the appointment 
of a Committee to represent us, but at their desire, we shall 
immediately enter on that measure. 

To Messrs. Lamb, Sears, Robinson, Wiley, and Mott. 

•Holt, 1201. 
t Holt, 1207. 
{Lamb's papers, N. Y. His. Soc. 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 25 

This letter was written by William Bradford, and enclosed 
in the following: 

Gentlemen : 

With great pleasure I rec'd yours just now by express. 
Rejoice to hear you made a proper use of the infernal stamps. 
The one which was travelling through this province, in its 
way to Maryland, was exposed some days ; and last night, at 
7 o'clock, in a very full Coffee House, was consumed by fire, 
amidst loud acclamations. You may depend that a watchful 
eye shall be kept in this Province ; and though much divided, 
yet if the stamps should offer in the least to be distributed, I 
am sure all would unite in the opposition. I have only had 
the opportunity of seeing two of my brethren since I received 
yours, and as the Express hurries me, we have enclosed a 
letter to the Sons of Liberty ; and you may depend on hear- 
ing from us, on all occasions, for the suppression of slavery 
and oppression. Your H'ble Serv't. 

Wm. Bradford.* 
Philad., Feb. 15, 1766. 
To Messrs. Lamb, Sears, Robinson, Wiley and Mott. 

« 

The Committee were soon after called upon to reprove 
the insolence of Lieut. Hallam,t of His Majesty's vessel, the 
Garland, who had used some very offensive language in re- 
gard to them, and to the Printer who had published their 
manifestos and proceedings. The Lieutenant, upon being 
called upon, denied the language imputed to him. He was 
accordingly shown the affidavit of a Capt. Tolmie, of 20th 
March, who swore to the express words, and another affida- 
vit in the following terms:* 

New York, ss : 

Personally appeared before me, John Bogert, Jun. Esq., 
one of His Majesties Justices of the Peace for the City and 
County of New York, the undermentioned subscribers, who 
being duly sworn on the Holy Evangelists of Almighty God, 
Deposed and said that Normand Tolmie, of the said city, be- 
ing called upon by the Sons of Liberty, to set forth what he 
knew concerning some expressions that were made by Lieut, 
Hallam on Tuesday morning last, the said Tolmie declared 
that he, Hallam, had said that our proceedings, or those of 
America, were similar to the Rebellion in Scotland in the year 

* Lamb Papers, N. Y. His. Soc. f Holt, 1212, 

4 



26 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

1745 : and that the Printer of the Thursday's Gazette, de- 
served to be hanged for publishing what he had ; and for his 
part, he would not be against putting a halter about liis neck. 

Isaac Sears, 
Abraham Montanye, 
Thomas Ivers, 
WiLL'M Wiley, 
James Dunscomb.* 
Sworn before me this 20th March, 1766. 

John Bogert, Jun'r, 

Another deposition, to the same purport, was made by 
John Abeel and James Abeel.* 

The great victory was won: the people had taken a posi- 
tion, from which they could not recede without disgrace and 
destruction. The old party name of the revolution of 1668, 
was revived, and assumed by the popular party; and its 
odious opposite, though cast upon all who did not cordially 
unite in resistance, was acknowledged by none, except the 
officers and retainers of the Crown. The leaders of the 
populace did not, however, relax their efforts to keep their 
followers steady in resistance. Able addresses were published, 
warning them of the fatal consequences of yielding. If, says 
one writer, you comply with the act, by using the stamped 
paper, you fix, you rivet perpetual chains upon your unhappy 
country. You unnecessarily, you voluntarily establish the 
detestable precedent, which those who have forged your fet- 
ters wish for, to varnish the farther exercise of their new 
claimed authority. If you quietly bow your necks to the 
yoke, you prove yourselves ready to receive any bondage, to 
which your lords and masters shall please to subjugate you."f 

The campaign seemed now to be ended, and the issue of 
the battle was awaited with anxiety and doubt by many, but 
by a majority of the opposition, with confidence of success. 
The Parliament had taken into consideration the repeal of 
the act, and upon preliminary proceedings, there appeared a 

*Lamb Papers, N. Y. His. Soc. t Holt. 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 27 

large majority in favor of that measure. This news had 
reached Baltimore on the 5th of April, and an express was 
despatched to New York, with the following letter. 

Baltimore town, April 5, 1766, 8 o'clock, p. m. 
Gentlemen : 

Capt, Leonard Brooke, arrived yesterday in Petuxent River, 
from Mess. R. & I. Days, eminent merchants in London, 
trading to this Province, who wrote Mr. George Maxwell, of 
the 8th February 1766. We send you, enclosed, a letter from 
Mr. Maxwell, which, as he is a gentleman of veracity and 
character, may be credited, and is as follows : 

Benedict, April 4, 1766, 
Dear Sir : 

Capt Brooke is arrived ; he has brought no papers with 
him, but Messrs. R. & I. Days write me of the 8th February, 
" We sincerely congratulate you on the repeal of the Stamp 
Act, which, thanks to God, is just now resolved here, by a 
great majority in Parliament." 

I am, d'r sir, your mo obt humb servt. 

George Maxwell,* 

The letter brought from Petuxent this morning came just 
now to hand. On receipt of it. our Sons of Liberty imme- 
diately assembled, and ordered this Committee to send off an 
express with this agreeable news to Philadelphia ; to be from 
thence forwarded to your city. On which we sincerely con- 
gratulate you and every well wisher to the liberty and pros- 
perity of America. 

We are, with respect. Gentlemen, 

Your very humble serv'ts. 
Patrick Allison, Thos. Chase, 

Rob. Adair, Rob. Alexander, 

D. Chamier, John Moale, 

W. Smith, Wm. Lux.f 

To the Sons of Liberty at New York. Pr express to Phila., 
to be forwarded from thence. 

Similar rumors had been received from other quarters, 
creating well founded hopes; at length on the 16th May, 
the ship Harrison, belonging to John Hancock, arrived at 
Boston, bringing information of the repeal of the law on the 

* Lamb Papers, N. Y. His. Soc. t Holt, 1222. 



28 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

18th March, and on the 20th May the news was announced 
in the city, and was received with unbounded joy by all 
classes of the citizens. This satisfaction seemed to pervade 
all : but the act of repeal was accompanied by a declaratory 
act, which clained the right of the Ministry to levy taxes on 
the Colonies; and by a law, obliging the Colonies to provide 
barracks for such troops, as might be quartered among them; 
and to furnish them with certain articles at the expense of 
the Colonies. This act was called the Mutiny Act, and was 
in common parlance known as the billeting act; and to many 
presented gloomy auguries of the future. On the fourth of 
June, being the anniversary of the birth of the King, the 
people assembled in the fields and erected a flag staff, in- 
scribed to the King, Pitt, and Liberty; and held a jubilee on 
the occasion. An ox was roasted, twenty-five barrels of 
strong beer were procured, together with a hogshead of rum, 
and a sufficient quantity of ingredients to make it into punch. 
A pole was erected, to the top of which were suspended 
twenty-five tar barrels. At an other part of the common, 
twenty-five pieces of cannon were ranged; and amid the 
thunders of artillery, and to the music of the band playing, God 
save the King, the standard of England was displayed, 
greeted by the shouts and huzzas of the populace. 

The politic Governor, Sir Henry Moore, the Council, the 
city authorities, and the military retainers of his Excellency, 
attended these festivities, and then retired to the Fort to 
spend the rest of his Majesty's birth day, as became their 
several functions, and in a manner more congenial to their 
secret inclinations. 

On the 23d of June, even after the declaratory act had 
been conned by many, and sufficient time had elapsed for di- 
gesting its contents, a numerous meeting assembled at the 
Coffee House,* and resolved to petition the Assembly to cause 
to be erected a statue to the Honorable William Pitt: f The 

* Holt's Papers. 

t There were some, however, who took a clearer view of the character 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 29 

Assembly received the measure with favor, and resolved in 
the first place, that provision be made for the erection of an 
Equestrian Statue of his Majesty George the Third, for his 
benignity and condescension, and to cause a statue of 
brass to be erected to the Right Honorable William Pitt, 
Esquire. And with more justice, they appropriated means 
to provide a piece of plate, of the value of one hvmdred 
pounds, for John Sargent, the faithful agent of the Colonies. * 
While yet the people were in the good humor, which the 
Governor's conciliatory policy had created; he communi- 
cated to the House of Assembly his instructions from the Mi- 
nistry; and among other requisitions, he called upon them to 
comply with the terms of the Mutiny Act, and to make pro- 
vision for a reinforcement of troops expected to arrive from 
England. This law, which had been passed in December, 
'65, shortly after the knowledge of the riot of November had 
reached the cabinet, was well calculated to alarm all, who 
had favored opposition to the Stamp Act; and if any doubted 
its intention, the declaratory law, which accompanied the re- 
peal of that act, was sufficient to open their eyes to its alarm- 
ing consequences. Some of the provisions of the Mutiny bill 
are as follows : 

of Pitt, and of the motive of his services to America, who were not un- 
willing to see republished, some time afterwards, the pasquinades of the 
English papers, reflecting on the Minister and his proselyte, of which the 
following is a specimen : 

"The Pitt, a first rate, being much damaged in the head, in a late 
cruise on the coast of Scotland, is paid off, and laid up at Chatham; where 
she is to serve as a store ship. On examination, her timbers, which were 
supposed to be true English heart of oak, turned out to be nothing more 
than Scotch fir, bought up by the Favorite, from Mount Stewart, in Bute- 
shire, and hewn out by him, into a proper form, at his dock -yard, near 
the pay office, Westminster. 

It is much to be feared, also, since this unlucky discovery, that the 
timbers of the Britannia, another first rate, will all be found unsound, and 
that most of the ships in the government service, will turn out to be com- 
posed of the same rotten materials," — Holt, 1238. 

* Holt's Papers. 



30 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

" And whereas, there are several barracks, in several places 
in His Majesty's said dominions in America; or some of them, 
provided by the Colonies for lodging of soldiers, in view of 
quarters; for the ease and conveniency, as well of the inha- 
bitants in such Colonies, as of the soldiers so put out, and 
placed in such barracks, or in hired, or uninhabited houses, 
out houses, barns, and other buildings. They shall be from 
time to time furnished and supplied there, by the persons to 
be authorized and appointed for that purpose, by the Go- 
vernor and Council of each respective province; or upon 
neglect or refusal of such Governor and Council, in any pro- 
vince; then by two justices of the peace, residing in or near 
such places, with candles, fire, vinegar, salt, bedding, and 
utensils for cooking their victuals, and small beer, or cider, 
not exceeding five pints, or h^f a pint of rum, mixed with a 
quart of water, to each man, without paying therefor, 

Be it enacted, by the authority aforesaid, that the respec- 
tive provinces shall pay unto such persons, &c."* 

The more sagacious of the opposition viewed this law, as 
it was, an incipient step towards establishing a standing 
army in the Colonies, to overawe the people, and enforce 
obedience to the acts of the Ministry. And the more re- 
solved and intrepid of the Sons of Liberty, banded themselves 
to resist compliance with its mandates ; the ostensible rea- 
sons of which, were for the preserv^ation of the public 
property, and the protection of the citizens from the violence 
of popular tumults. 

Requisitions f had been made upon the Assembly by the 
Lieutenant Governor, for supplies under the act, and a 
committee, was raised to take them into consideration, and 
the House, nem. con., passed the following resolves of their 
Committee. 

Resolved, That it is the opinion of this Committee, that 

when his Majesty's forces are quartered in barracks be- 

*Holt's Papers. 
tHolt's Papers, and Journal of the Assembly. 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 31 

longing to the King, they are always furnished with the 
necessaries required to be provided by the aforementioned 
act, without any expense to the counties in which they are 
quartered ; and therefore 

Resolved, That it is the opinion of this Committee, 
that as there are barracks belonging to his Majesty in this 
city, and in the city of Albany, sufficient to accommodate 
double the number of forces contained in the return laid be- 
fore the General Assembly ; the application to them, appears 
altogether unnecessary at present. 

Resolved, That it is the opinion of this Committee, 
that if any should be necessary for quartering troops on their 
march, and supplying them with what is required by the 
aforesaid act, the House ought to consider thereof, after the 
expense is incurred. 

These requisitions were extremely unpalatable to the As- 
sembly, who were unwilling to establish a precedent for an 
object so palpably designed to sti'engthen the arm of the 
Government, at the expense of the Colonies. They informed 
the Governor, that there was a sum at his disposal of certain 
appropriations of 1762 : and that they were willing a 
part of this should be used for the supply of two battalions 
and one company of artillery, for one year ; excluding the 
salt, vinegar, and liquors, required by the act, as unusual. 

The Governor was displeased with this limitation of the 
required supply; but he consented to receive it, risking the 
hazard of the royal negative to the act : And in his 
despatches to the Minister, he informed him that the grati- 
tude of the Colonists had not been commensurate with the 
signal marks of favor bestowed upon them; and that what 
had been granted, had been rather extorted from their fears, 
than yielded by their loyalty. His Excellency also laid be- 
fore the Assembly his Majesty's commands, that the da- 
mages inflicted upon the property of his officers by the 
rioters, should be paid for. But the Committee reported, 
that so far as Lieut. Governor Colden was concerned, he 



32 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

had suffered only through his own misconduct, and they 
refused payment. The Committee* had also in charge the 
claims of Major James, whose property had suffered on the 
same occasion, and reported in favor of granting compen- 
'sation to him. This invidious distinction could not be 
gratifying to the already incensed Lieut. Governor, and he 
loudly, and with reason, complained of the injustice. 

The discomfiture of the Ministry could not fail to be 
galling to the officers of the crown: and though the Go- 
vernor, and the more discreet, dissembled their disgust, yet 
there were not wanting many who took little pains to 
conceal their dissatisfaction. The soldiers, probably aware 
of the secret feelings of their officers, were not backward 
in exhibiting, on all occasions, their hostility to the popu- 
lace, and to display the usual insolence of the military 
character. Chafed by the unrestrained joy of the colonists, 
and perhaps provoked by some exuberant display of the 
triumph they had achieved, some soldiers of the 28th regi- 
ment, quartered in the barracks, on the 10th of August, cut 
down the flag staff,f the raising of which had been effected 
with so much harmony, and under such auspicious circum- 
stances. The evening of the next day, the people peaceably 
assembled to reinstate their standard. In this they were in- 
terrupted by the soldiers and brutally insulted: the infuriated 
vassals of the crown assailing them with drawn bayonets; and 
as the unarmed people were retreating, several of the most 
respectable of the citizens were wounded by the weapons of 
the assailants.J 

Among these were Isaac Sears, a member of the Com- 
mittee, and John Berrien, a prominet Son of Liberty. Com- 
plaint was made of this outrage; and the depositions of 
Theophilus Hardenbrook and Peter Vandervoort, were taken 
before the Mayor, charging the soldiers with having, with- 
out provocation, commenced the assault. 

•Journals of the Assembly, t Holt, 1232. J Id. 1233. 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 33 

As might have been expected, the soldiers were counte- 
nanced by their superiors; and Major Arthur Brown, with 
the utmost insolence, told the Mayor he would prove the 
whole charge an utter falsehood. Capt. Sears then made 
oath to the truth of the affidavit, and it was farther corrobo- 
rated by the oaths of John Berrien, Jun'r, Cornelius Berrien, 
Philip Will, and Ephraim Brasher. The flag-staff was again 
erected, and the military, probably restrained by the orders 
of the Governor, left it to stand unmolested. 

For a while, this eye-sore to the King's officers remained 
undisturbed; most likely because no popular meetings oc- 
curred; but on the 23d of September* it was again prostrated, 
and two days afterwards restored by the people, without any 
outbreak of military insolence. 

The Governor was not satisfied with the recusancy of the 
Assembly, in not yielding full compliance with the Mutiny 
Act; and was desirous of bringing them into more liberal 
notions of their duty of obedience to the King's rescript. The 
bad conduct of the soldiers, subsisting upon the extorted 
bounty of the people, could not have a favorable tendency 
towards the increase of supplies from their representatives; 
and for some time the occupants of the barracks were re- 
strained from farther aggressions. But not all the prudence 
and policy of the Governor, could prevent frequent ebulitions 
of suppressed malignity. The houses of several citizens in 
the fields were forcibly entered on the 23d October ,f and on 
the 3d November, one of the obnoxious red-coats broke into 
the dwelling of a peaceable and industrious cartmanj and after 
wounding him with his bayonet, most brutally hamstrung his 
horse; depriving him of the service of the animal, whose 
labor was absolutely necessary to the support of his family. 
It does not appear that this atrocious act was followed by 
any judicial investigation; and it only produced renewed 

*Holt, 1238. IHolt. 1242. 

Jldem, 1244, 



34 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

notices of the regulations against furnishing sentinels on duty 
with liquor. 

The Assembly had been prorogued to the 7th of October, 
and afterwards to the 6th of November; and shortly after 
the meeting the Governor, on the 17th of November, com- 
municated to that body the negative of the King to the bill 
of supply for the troops, and Lord Shelburne's instructions, 
which contained this emphatic admonition: " I am ordered 
to signify to you at the same time, that it is the indispensa- 
ble duty of his subjects in America, to obey the acts of the 
Legislature of Great Britain. The King both expects, and 
requires, a due and cheerful obedience to the same; and it 
can not be doubted that his Majesty's province of New York, 
after the lenity of Great Britain so recently extended to 
America," &c. And the Governor farther enforces the 
Minister's letter in the following language: " I flatter my- 
self that on a due consideration of this letter, no difficulties 
can properly arise, or the least objection be made, to the 
provision for the troops, as required by the act of Parlia- 
ment."* 

On the 15th December, the Assembly, by William Nichol 
their speaker, answered the Governor's requisition, and set 
up a construction of the law somewhat extraordinary for a 
statute so explicitly worded. They respectfully represent, 
that they understand that part of the law, only applicable to 
soldiers on " the march:" that they have contributed to the 
supply of two battalions and one company of artillery, a 
greater burthen than had been sustained by any other colony: 
" That they are willing to support his Majesty's government, 
as is most suitable to the circumstances of the people they 
represent." And, in conclusion, say " that we can not con- 
sent with our duty to our constituents, to put it in the power 
of any person, (whatever confidence we may have in his pru- 
dence and integrity), to lay such burthens on them."t 

* Holt, 1247. t Journals of the Assembly. 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 35 

This was a bold attitude assumed by the Assembly, which 
was followed by important movements of the Mother Coun- 
try. In the original draft of the answer, there were some ex- 
pressions still more repulsive to the feelings of royalty, than 
those afterwards adopted; but Sir Henry Moore, who seems to 
have been really desirous of avoiding collision with the Co- 
lonies, took the trouble of waiting upon the House, who were 
then sitting out of town, in consequence of the prevalence of 
the small pox in the city, and procured an alteration of the 
objectionable passages.* Soon after this address of the House 
they were prorogued by the Governor. The Sons of Liberty 
had dissolved their association on the repeal of the Stamp 
Act; but the old leaders were on the alert on all occasions, 
and vigilantly watching the movements of the Ministerialists. 
It is to be presumed that their spirit infused itself into this 
patriotic assembly, and encouraged it to take the stand of in- 
dependence which chai'acterized their address. The agent of 
the association in London was Nicholas Ray, with whom the 
following correspondence took place : 

London, 28 July, 1766. 
Gentlemen : 

I flattered myself to have heard from you by the last ships, 
but am informed your society is dissolved, which I am glad 
to hear, as the cause of your complaint is removed. But I 
think it necessary to assure you, that the continual account 
we had of the Sons of Liberty through all North America, 
had its proper weight and effect. 

As our gracious sovereign rules over none but free men, 
and in which he glories, it therefore can not offend him, that 
his numerous and faithful subjects in America, claim the ap- 
pellation of Sons of Liberty. Permit me, therefore, to re- 
commend ten or twenty of the principal of you, to form your- 
selves into a club, to meet once a month, under the name of 
Liberty Club, and forever, on the 18th March, or 1st May, 
give notice to the whole body to commemorate your deliver- 
ance; spending the day in festivity and joy. I beg pardon 

* Holt's papers. 



36 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

for taking the liberty to advise you, but I am firmly of opinion, 
that it will have such effect as you wish. 
I have the honour to be, Gent'n, 

Your most humble ser'vt, 

Nich's Ray. 
P. S. The commercial acts and free ports, which we lately 
sent to all the Colonies, I believe will give you pleasure. 
To the Sons of Liberty in New York. 

The following letter was written in reply : 

New York, 10th October, 1766. 
Mr. Nicholas Ray, Sir : 

Your esteemed favor of the 28th July last, we have duly 
received, and observe with the greatest regret, your disap- 
pointment at not hearing from us agreeably to your expec- 
tations; which, permit us to assure you, was not owing to 
any remissness on our part, or want of respect, but to the 
dissolution of our society, which happened immediately upon 
the repeal of the Stamp Act. 

Your proposal with regard to a number of us forming 
ourselves into a club, we have already had under considera- 
tion; but as it is imagined that some inconveniences would 
arise should such a club be established, just at this time, we 
must postpone the same, till it may appear more eligible. 
At the same time we take the liberty to assure you and all 
our good friends on your side of the water, who so nobly 
exerted themselves in behalf of us, and the expiring liberty 
of their country, that we still do, and ever shall, retain the 
most grateful sense of the favors we have received; and that 
we shall use our utmost endeavors, consistent with loyalty, 
to keep up that glorious spirit of liberty which was so rapidly 
and so generally kindled, throughout this extensive continent. 
In order to which, we shall not fail, hereafter, to celebrate 
the anniversary of the repeal, with every demonstration of 
gratitude and joy, on the memorable and never to be forgot- 
ten, eighteenth day of March. 

We have the honor to be, in behalf of the Sons Liberty, 
Sir — Your most Obedient and 

Oblig'd Hum. Servants, 
Isaac Sears, John Lamb, 

Edward Laight, Chas. Nicoll, 
Flores Bancker, Joseph Allicoke. 
To Mr Nicholas Ray, Merchant, London.* 

* Lamb's papers, N. Y. His. Soc. 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 37 

The organization of the committee, as proposed in Mr. 
Ray's letter, was for a while postponed; but before the first 
anniversary of the repeal, the old leaders of the association, 
who had so well performed their duty, banded themselves 
for the same patriotic purposes; and all continued firm and 
vigorous in the cause, until the final overthrow of the regal 
power. On the first anniversary of the repeal, the people 
met at the Liberty Pole, to celebrate their triumph with the 
usual festivities; and at the appointed hour, on the 18th 
March, they collected at Bardin's, to dine and drink their 
usual toasts. These w^ere high seasoned with loyalty, and 
could not justly have given any offence; but such manifest- 
ations of victory were becoming exceedingly unpleasant to 
the King's officers, and the soldiers could not endure the sight 
of processions to commemorate their monarch's defeat, al- 
though they were ostensibly ordered, to perpetuate his honor 
and glory. They assembled in the night, and cut down the 
obnoxious symbol.* The people, the next day, erected 
another, secured with iron bands, and better adapted to re- 
sist the assaults of its enemies;! these w^ere repeated at night, 
without success. On the next night, the 20th, they made 
an attempt to blow it up with gun powder, and this too, 
failed. The patriots now resolving to guard their flag staflf, 
set a strong watch for its protection, and when the soldiers 
again assembled to carry their designs into execution, they 
found the pole too formidably defended, and retreated in dis- 
corafiture.J The next night, a party marched with loaded 
muskets, to the flag staff, and facing to wards the house at 
which the meeting had been held, they fired a volley in that 
direction. Two balls took effect in the building; one passed 
through it, and another lodged in the timber. This daring 
outrage, probably, was not encouraged by their commanders, 
for upon making another attempt upon the Liberty Pole, on 
the 22d, the succeeding night, they were interrupted by an 
officer, and ordered to desist. 
* Holt's papers. t Idem. t Idem. 



38 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 



CHAPTER III. 

Preparations to enforce the Mutiny Act. — Assembly yield a farther Sup- 
ply. — Provide for a part of the Damages of Nov. '65. — Deprived of 
their Privileges by the King. — Commissioners of Customs appointed. — 
Tariff of Duties on Tea, ^c. — New Assembly. — Address Parliament for 

Restoration. — Dissatisfaction with the Imposts. Non-importation 

League revived. — Massachusetts Circular. — The King forbids the 
Reading. — The House Remonstrates. — Massachusetts refuses Compli- 
ance with the Mutiny Act. — Boston invested. — Governor demands 
farther Supplies. — Non-importation League rigidly enforced. — Rumors 
of the Repeal of the Duties. — Governor Moore dies. — Celebration of 
the first Nov. 1769. — Gov. Colden not noticed. 

The Parliament had been defeated in its first effort to 
establish the great system of colonial taxation; and probably 
from inability to enforce it, for the want of a sufficient mili- 
tary force in the Colonies or alarmed by the accession of 
the Canadian and Nova Scotian, and even some of their 
insular provinces, had consented to retrace its steps, and 
rescind the law. But the retrogade movement was only to 
assume a safer and more tenable position. The obnoxious 
stamp bill was indeed repealed, but the declaratory Act, 
claimed the Americans as " born thralls" of the Crown; and 
though the visible " collar " of serfdom was removed by the 
repeal, the Minister was determined to fetter the Colonies, in 
a manner less palpable to the senses of the multitude. De- 
termined that his next attempt should not fail for the want of 
sufficient support, he resolved to enforce the Mutiny bill, in 
order to establish an adequate military force throughout the 
Colonies. In the other provinces, and partially in New 
York, the scheme had succeeded; but the sturdy Bostonians 
had resisted the insidious and dangerous encroachment. The 
qualified assent of the Assembly of New York, was not agree- 
able to the popular party, and the old leaders of the Sons of 
Liberty, arrayed themselves against it: yet, weakened by the 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 39 

defection of many who had manfully resisted the Stamp Act, 
they were compelled to proceed with great circumspection. 
Although the Mutiny bill, was in its tendency more alarming 
than the obnoxious law which had been resisted with so 
much unanimity, and was followed by other measures, ob- 
viously incipient to a forcible execution of the arbitrary views 
of the ministry, it did not create the same united resistance; 
and the great bond of union was essentially weakened. Still 
there was no relaxation on the part of their leaders to keep 
alive the spirit of the people; and the fruits of these energies 
was the bold answer of the House of Assembly, to the Go- 
vernor's message, notwithstanding it was backed by the 
formidable rescript of the King. News had arrived of ex- 
tensive military preparations, and the British prints were 
filled with the indignation of the ministerial writers at the 
recusancy of this highly favored colony; and with threats of 
the meditated vengeance of an angered sovereign. 

The Assembly became alarmed, and notwithstanding every 
effort was made to keep them firm in their resolves, on the 
3d June they yielded a farther compliance, and appropriated 
three thousand five hundred pounds, to defray the expenses of 
the troops for the preceding; and a further supply of three 
thousand pounds for the current year: and also granted an 
appropriation, to indemnify the agent of Major James, for 
damages sustained in the outbreak of November 1765. The 
threatened blow was not averted by this partial submission. 
The Governors of the Colonies were ordered to prohibit the 
assembling of any Congress similar to that of October '65: 
and the colony of New York, notwithstanding they had been 
far more compliant with the demands of the Govermnent 
than the province of Massachusetts, was heavily visited with 
ijae vengeance of the Parliament. The functions of its As- 
sembly, on the 29th June were declared to be abrogated; and 
the Governor and Council were inhibited from assenting to 
any acts of the House, until the Mutiny Act was unequivo- 
cally acknowledged and submitted to. 



4 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

This high handed stretch of power was every where re- 
ceived with indignation and alarm. The people of Boston 
were loud in denunciation of it, and in the expression of their 
sympathy for their bretheren of New York, suffering under 
Ministerial tyranny, and both parties seemed preparing for 
the approaching contest. The time was fast approaching 
when the Assembly was to expire, by its septennial limita- 
tion, and after granting a further supply of fifteen hundred 
pounds, for the support of the troops, the Governor, on the 
11th February, 1768, in form, dissolved them. With the act 
to humble the Assembly of New York, came others of a more 
general character. These were, " To establish Commission- 
ers of the Customs in America;" " To compensate the stamp 
officers, who had been deprived by the people j" " A tariff of 
duties upon various articles of the first necessity, with an act, 
taking off the duty on tea consumed in England, and im- 
posing a duty on that brought into America;" and to en- 
courage the East India Company to crowd their commodities 
into the colonial market, a drawback was granted, upon the 
exportation from the mother country, to the American pro- 
vinces. The colonists of Massachusetts were the first to raise 
the cry against the newly imposed duties, and recommended 
the revival of the non-intercourse league. They had flatly 
refused compliance with the Mutiny Bill, and recommended 
to their sister colonies to follow their example. The patriotic 
ladies, determined to relinquish their favorite beverage, and 
entered into associations to discourage the consumption of 
tea. 

Writs for the election of a new Assembly were issued, and 
while the canvass was proceeding, the newspapers were busy 
in decrying the system of open voting, and recommended 
another mode, better adapted to secure the independence of 
the electors. Complaint w^as made of the practice of self no- 
minations and of soliciting votes, with its usual concomitants. 
Much murmuring was heard, as it has since been in latter 
times, against the preponderance of representatives of the 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 41 

legal profession in our Legislatures, and labored articles, pro 
and con, were circulated.* 

The merchants carried it, and Isaac Low, John Cruger, 
John Alsop, and James Delancey were elected, who each 
gave fifty pounds to the poor of the city.f 

But the chief efforts were directed, to enlighten the people 
in regard to the true effect of the acts of the Ministry, and to 
warn them against their future designs. The English pa- 
pers were crowded with labored defences of their Government, 
and loud in decrying the parricidal operations of the Colonists. 
On the other hand, equal ability and industry were exhi- 
bited in confuting the ministerial sophistry, and in setting the 
matter before the people in its proper light. The farmers' 
letters had helped to dissipate the mystification of some of 
the writers, who, although they admitted the impolicy of 
open taxation, claimed the right to impoverish the pro- 
vinces by indirect impositions; and other publications were 
assidiously exposing the fallacy of the arguments, used by 

*A Card. — Jack Bowline and Tom Hatchway, send their services, 
(damn compliments) to the freeholders and freemen of the city of New 
York, and beg they would, in order to try how the land lies, take an ob- 
servation, and they will find : First, that the good people of this city are 
supported by trade, and the merchants : Second, that the lawyers are sup- 
ported by the people. 

Ship Defiance, Feb'y 20, 1768. 

Reply. A Card. — Mr. Axe and Mr. Hammer, being selected by a 
number of their brother freeholders and freemen of the city of New York, 
to return their hearty thanks to their good friends, Mr. Hatchway and 
Mr. Bowline, have consented ; and think proper to do it in this public man- 
ner, and to assure them that the " leather aprons," (a very respectable 
body) are clearly of their opinion; that it is trade and not law, that sup- 
ports our families. And honest Jack Jolt, the cartman, says he never 
got six pence for riding law books, though he gets many pounds from 
the Merchants. So with many thanks for your sensible good card; we 
say as you say, " No lavi^rers to the Assembly." 

Tradesmen's Hall, Feb. 29, 1768. 

t John Lamb, Isaac Sears, and Ezekiel Williams supported this ticket. 
Lamb was probably the author of the card. Vide handbills. Historical 
Society. 

6 



42 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

the defenders of the crown, and expounding the true mean- 
ing of their writings to the people. 

The new Assembly was now chosen, and preparatory to 
their meeting, the popular writers addressed them in their 
usual style of boldness; reminding them of the grievances of 
the people, and the duty of their representatives to adhere 
with firmness against the coercive measures of the Minister. 
The House, on assembling, addressed petitions to the Parlia- 
ment, and claimed exemption from the authority of the 
crown, exercised in any other form than that of prorogation. 
The appeals of the citizens were not without effect on the 
Assemblyj and were responded to, by the greater part of the 
community with much patriotism. The merchants and tra- 
ders, resorted to the same artillery which had proved so formi- 
dable, in compelling the repeal of the Stamp Act. They 
renewed, in its fullest extent, the non-importation league of 
1765, and the tradesmen of the city, gave ardent and active 
cooperation, with the importers and dealers. They engaged 
not to purchase any articles of a foreign importation what- 
ever, and to discourage others from buying of those who 
should infringe the patriotic league. 

Gen. Gage, the commander-in-chief of the forces, had con- 
tinued to hold his head quarters in New York. He had re- 
cently returned from a tour of inspection and observation in 
Pennsylvania and New Jersey; and, with all his staff, pre- 
pared to visit the eastern colonies upon the same mission. 
Upon his arrival at Boston, he was received with marked 
respect. The conciliatory (bourse pursued by that gentleman 
in New York, three years before, was remembered to his ad- 
vantage; and in the addresses which were made to him, he 
was assured of the high respect of the citizens for him, and 
of their great regard for the mother country. The General 
received their expressions of respect and zeal with com- 
plaisancy; and the public were soon afterwards informed of 
the expected arrival of two regiments from Halifax, de- 
spatched for their especial benefit. 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 43 

The Assembly of Massachusetts had written a circular let- 
ter to the legislatures of the other colonies, announcing what 
they had done, and what they farther intended to do. This 
document had met the decided reprobation of Lord Hills- 
borough, the newly appointed Secretary of State for the 
affairs of the Colonies; and he issued peremptory orders to 
Sir Henry Moore, forbidding it to be received and answered 
by the Assembly of New York. The Governor had, on the 
3d November, rendered the accounts of the barrack master, 
relative to the expenditure of money granted for the supply 
of the troops; vouching for the fidelity and economy of the 
disbursements, and requiring further supplies. He, on the 
14th, transmitted Lord Hillsborough's mandate against hold- 
ing any correspondence with other colonies, and called upon 
the Legislature to yield compliance. A warm debate en- 
sued, and the House conceiving that their privileges were in- 
fringed, remonstrated against the interference of the Ministry. 
The Governor pressed upon the Assembly the necessity of 
strict obedience, and threatened to dissolve them in case of 
resistance. 

The leaders of the people sustained the House in their re- 
monstrances, and at the same, time promulged their own 
opinions of the duty of the Legislature, in regard to the other 
obnoxious acts of the Government. " Let these truths (say 
they) be indelibly impressed upon our minds, that we can not 
be j^"ee without being secure in our proferty; that we can not 
be secure in our property, if without our consent, others may, 
as by right, take it away; that taxes imposed by Parliament 
do thus take it away; that duties, laid for the sole purpose of 
raising money, are taxes; that attempts to lay such, should 
be instantly and firmly opposed." 

The people of Boston, who had so generously sympathized 
with New York upon the severe measures of the Government, 
had themselves been visited with similar inflictions. On the 
14th of September, Mr. Lamb, one of the Committee of Cor- 
respondence for New York, received a letter from John 



44 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

Hancock and others,* select men of Boston, complaining of 
the virtual dissolution of their Assembly by the refusal of 
Governor Bernard to order a new election. This circular 
recommended another convention, for purposes of consulta- 
tion, and concentration of public opinion; and to prepare 
the people for ultimate determination. The Assembly of 
Massachusetts had not provided for the quartering and sup- 
ply of the troops; and the Governor was determined to ob- 
viate the difficulty occasioned by this neglect; and procure 
quarters and supplies, if any person could be found willing 
to enter into contracts to that effect, and trust to the appro- 
priations of a future Assembly for indemnity. A rumor had 
reached New York, while the fleet destined for Boston was 
hourly expected, that the citizens, exasperated at the Go- 
vernor's conduct, had risen en masse, taken possession of 
Castle William, and driven the Governor and the officers of 
the crown on board a frigate in the harbor. But these re- 
ports were dispelled by another, announcing the arrival of the 
expected armament. 

The ships were brought up, and ranged opposite to the 
town, with springs upon their cables; and the troops were 
disembarked under cover of the broadsides of the fleet. The 
day was exceedingly stormy, and one regiment, being un- 
provided with camp equipage, the Colonel commanding it, 
waiving the demand for quarters, begged of the magistrates 
permission to occupy some apartments in Faneuil Hall, until 
other quarters could be procured. This request was humanely 
complied with; but the officer was in no haste to decamp, 
and for some time continued to occupy the Hall, to the great 
discomfort of the magistrates and the citizens. 

The long smothered vengeance of an exasperated Govern- 
ment, was now in full flame; and the devoted Bostonians 
were made to feel its utmost fury. Their brethren of New 
York repaid their former sympathy with interest, and ex- 

*Lamb Papers, N. Y. His. Soc. 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 45 

pressed the deepest commisseration for their sufferings, and 
what was more effectual, gave them the strongest assurances 
of their vigorous support. And to show that their reproba- 
tion of the exercise of arbitrary power in other colonies, 
kept pace with the determined hostility to their own perse- 
cutors at home, they burned the Governor of Massachusetts, 
and his Bostonian sheriff, in effigy. 

Governor Moore, in his address of April April 4, 1769, to 
the Assembly, communicated to them, that the appropriation 
for the troops of the last session, had been expended in the 
payment of large arrearages which had accumulated; and re- 
quired a farther grant for the supply of the forces. The 
Assembly replied, by setting forth the grievous burthens 
already borne, and remonstrating against farther impositions. 
They complained of the suspension of their legislative func- 
tions, and of the impost duties raised for mere revenue in the 
Colonies, as unjust and oppressive. These remonstrances 
had little weight in extending their privileges, or in establish- 
ing their rights; for the Governor, on the 13th April, fol- 
lowed his first message with another, complaining that the 
Assembly had assumed the right to appoint a colonial agent 
at London; and called upon them to return to the former and 
more legitimate mode of appointment by the Governor and 
Council, the House concurring: citing the example of other 
colonies as worthy of imitation. The House assured his Ex- 
cellency that it gave them much pain to differ from his 
opinion in this respect; and resolved to hold this, with other 
important matters, subjects of serious counsideration. 

While the Eastern colonies, and New York, had revived 
their non-importation agreements, Pennsylvania had resorted 
to petitions and remonstrances. Most likely the coercive 
method had had the greatest effect on the Ministry; but it 
was given out that these powerful pacific appeals, had 
wrought some change in the colonial system; and that a re- 
peal of the impost act would probably follow. Whether it 
was at this time, the serious design of the government to re- 



46 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

lax, or whether the rumor was given out to weaken the 
bonds of the non-importationists, can not now be known. If 
with the latter intention, it was not without its effect; for 
notwithstanding the redoubled vigilance of the committee of 
New York, to keep the league unimpaired, many infringed, 
and were called to a public confession, and declarations of 
contrition for past offences. On the 21st April, as a more 
effectual method of detecting transgressions, the board of 
New York appointed a sub-committee to examine the mani- 
fests of every vessel arriving from abroad, in order to dis- 
cover and punish the offenders. 

The Assembly with great reluctance, granted on the 20th 
May, fifteen hundred pounds to support the troops, and were 
prorogued to 7th July, and afterwards to the 5th of Sep- 
tember. 

The rumors of repeal began to gain ground; and on the 
27th July, it was reported that the Governor had been notified 
by Ministers of such an intention. The correspondent of the 
committee in London, however, cautioned them not to place 
too much reliance upon the report, or too much confidence in 
Ministerial promises. The Assembly were now, probably 
in consequence of the illness of Sir Henry Moore, the Go- 
vernor, farther prorogued by proclamation, to the tenth of 
October; but before that period arrived, the Governor, on 
the 11th September, died, much lamented by the citizens; 
and what rendered their grief more poignant, the reins of 
power were again to fall into the hands of Lieut. Governor 
Golden. The non-importation committee continued to exert 
themselves with the utmost vigilance, and the people were 
not backward in sustaining them in their labors. To make 
the league more effectual against the mother country, they 
set their faces against all who, directly or indirectly, sup- 
ported the customs, and the officers appointed to collect them. 
Two very obnoxious informers had procured a small adven- 
ture of wine, the hard earnings of a worthy son of Neptune, 
to be seized for a breach of the Custom House regulations. 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 47 

The sympathies of the people were so strongly excited for 
the sufferer that, taking the matter into their own hands, 
they revived a mode of punishment in vogue during the days 
of the Crusaders, and, on the 30th September, administered a 
coat of tar and feathers to the delinquents. 

The indications of a change of opinion in regard to the 
benignity of the King, and the fidelity of Lord Chatham to 
the rights of the Colonies, had been exhibited in some of the 
celebrations of the 18th March; and now began more fully 
to display themselves. The radicals, headed by Lamb, Sears 
and others, took more extended views of the intent and effect 
of the repeal; and all who had studied the declaratory act 
with sagacity, seemed to be returning to first principles. 
These took an earlier epoch as the true era of emancipation, 
and established a political platform which formed the nucleus 
of opposition, and a rallying point in future emergencies. 
The first of November 1765, was as important in the annals 
of the patriots of the colonies, as that of the taking of the 
Bastile to revolutionary France. Its anniversary had now 
arrived, and the Committee resolved to celebrate it, with the 
proper solemnities. The toasts drank on that occasion did 
not embody the usual quantum of loyalty and devotion to the 
House of Hanover, and reverence for the memory of Pitt 
which distinguished the repeal celebrations. Lord Chatham 
was dropped, and the temper of the whole proceedings sig- 
nificantly indicate the feelings of the people, which were 
afterwards more pointedly exhibited. 

A few of the toasts, as specimens of that temper, are wor- 
thy of being remembered. 

1. May the North American Colonies, fully enjoy the 
British Constitution. 

2. The King, as the faithful executor of the aforesaid. 

3. His honest counsellors. 

5. The great and General Court of Massachusetts Bay, as 
first promoters of the Congress of 1765. 

6. The major part of the aforesaid Congress. 



48 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

7. The patriotic House of Burgesses of Virginia. 

9. All the Houses of Assembly on the continent, who 
have nobly opposed arbitrary power, 

12. May the last resolutions of the great and General 
Court of Massachusetts Bay, and the Commons House of 
Assembly of South Carolina, in not granting supplies to His 
Majesty's troops, be universally adopted in North America. 

No notice was taken of Lieut.-Governor Golden; and it 
was very apparent that he had not gained popularity by con- 
trast with the lamented Governor Moore.* 

* Holt's paper. 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 49 



CHAPTER IV. 

New Assembly meet. — Governor Colden gives Hopes of the Repeal of 
the Duties. — Demands further Supplies, — Recommends issue of Bills of 
Credit. — House pass the Bill. — Full compliance with the Mutiny Act. — 
Alarm of the People. — Great Meeting in the Fields. — Assembly denoun- 
ces as Libels the Papers calling the Meeting. — Lamb ordered to the Bar 
of the House, — Examined and dismissed. — Insolence of the Military. — 
Interfere to prevent the Enforcement of the Non-importation League. — 
Liberty Pole assailed. — Montangnie's House forced. — Fourth Liberty 
Pole destroyed, — Meeting of the Citizens. — Riotous proceedings of the 
Soldiery. — Battle of Golden Hill — and before the new Jail. — Corporation 
reject Petition for Permission to re-erect the Pole. — A piece of ground 
purchased. — Fifth Liberty Pole erected. 

On the 22d Nov. 1769, the Assembly were in session, and 
had received the announcement of the probable repeal of 
some of the onerous imposts. They were informed that the 
appropriations for the troops had been expended and large 
debts incurred beyond the supply, and the Governor de- 
manded a farther subsidy. To this unpleasant intimation, 
the House for that time made no answer. It was not long, 
however, before an ominous conjunction appeared between 
the head of the powerful and influential family of Delancey 
and the Governor, who had hitherto stood in direct opposi- 
tion to each other; and a project was broached, which gave 
much alarm to the leaders of the popular party. This was 
an act for the emission of bills of credit to the amount of one 
hundred and twenty thousand pounds, to be loaned to the 
people; and the interest to be applied towards the support of 
the Colonial Government. With this bill was connected a 
grant of one thousand pounds from the treasury, and one 
thousand more of the bills about to be issued, to be applied 

for the support of the troops. The incipient proceedings to 
7 



50 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

this measure, passed the committee of the whole House by a 
majority of one vote only. 

Although, since 1766, the appropriations for the troops, 
with certain restrictions and qualifications, had been made 
by the Assembly, they had excited only murmurs of discon- 
tent from the popular party, without any demonstrations of 
extraordinary reprobation. That party now perceived, or 
imagined they perceived, the germ of a more effectual mode 
of subjecting the House, than by the usual resort to proroga- 
tion, and dissolution. The novel project of resuming the 
issue of bills of credit, against the direct provisions of an 
act of Parliament; the countenance of the Governor and 
Council to the scheme; coupled with the distasteful and un- 
qualified compliance with the Mutiny Act; gave well ground- 
ed suspicions that combinations, dangerous to the safety of 
the community, had been formed against them. A very ex- 
citing handbill appeared on the 16th December, signed a 
Son of Liberty,* was published, addressed to the betrayed 
inhabitants of the city. This publication denounced the 
scheme of issuing bills of credit, as covering some insidious 
design, and unlikely to meet the assent of the King, That 
the unqualified yielding of the subsidy demanded for the 
troops was a direct acknowledgment of the right to exact it, 
and of the justice and propriety of the impost duties, and in 
its tendency was a death blow to the mercantile system of 
coercion, by means of the non-importation league. That it 
was the fruit of a subtle design of the Ministry to divide and 
distract the Colonies; and the Assembly were pointed to the 
firm stand taken by Massachusetts and South Carolina, and 
exhorted to imitate their example. It called upon the ma- 
jority, who had passed the law, to reconsider and rescind 
their vote, and to repudiate corrupt combinations, the eflfect 
of cupidity on the part of the Governor, and of ambition in 
a powerful family; who, from being his bitterest denuncia- 
tors had suddenly become his warmest supporters: and closed 

• Handbills Historical Society and Holt's paper. 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 51 

with the call of a meeting in the fields to take the sense of 
the people on the occasion. 

The call was effectual, and the next day a very large As- 
sembly convened. This meeting was addressed by Mr. 
Lamb, who was deputed to explain the object of the call, and 
the design and tendency of this movement of the Assembly, 
and to put the question, whether the people would approve 
or reprobate the proceedings of the Legislature. The vote 
for disapproval was almost unanimous, and Mr. Lamb and 
others were appointed a Committee to convey the sense of the 
meeting to the representatives of the city in the Assembly, 
to be communicated by them to that body. This duty was 
perfomed, the members receiving the Committee with de- 
cency; but declining to propose a recision of their vote, 
alledging that they believed the law was satisfactory to the 
people. This the Committee denied, and a writer, in strong 
terms, under the signature of Legion,* complained of the 
subserviency of the Legislature, in basely abandoning the in- 
terests of the people. The House took fire at both these pub- 
lications : they voted them both libellous, and offered one 
hundred pounds for the detection of the writer of the first, 
and fifty pounds for the discovery of the perpetrator of the 
second. Philip Schuyler, a patriot upon all occasions, voted 
alone in the negative, on both questions.! 

On the 19th, on the motion of a very loyal member, Mr. 
Denoyelles, Mr, Lamb, who had harangued the meeting, and 
exposed the insidious and dangerous nature of the proceed- 
ings of the House, and who was suspected, with reason, of 
having had a prominent hand in the first, and of being sole 
author of the second article, was ordered to appear at the bar 
of the Assembly, to answer in the premises, as the " abettor" 
of the obnoxious publications. In answer to the interroga- 
tions, Mr. Lamb justified all he had done, declaring that it 
was nothing more than what every Englishman had an 

* Handbills His. Soc, and Lamb papers, 
t Assembly Journals. 



52 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

undoubted right to do; and the record says, " it not appear- 
ing that he had acted in consequence of such libels, he was 
dismissed. But a better reason can be found for the inaction 
of the Legislature : the Committee, beside Mr. Lamb, con- 
sisted of the following persons, whose names are worthy of 
record : Isaac Sears, Caspar Wistar, Alexander M'Dougall, 
Jacobus Van Zandt, Samuel Broome,* Erasmus Williams, 
and James Van Varck. They caused to be signified to the 
House, that each and every of them were implicated in the 
whole transactions, and culpable, if any culpability existed, to 
the same extent as Mr, Lamb. 

These proceedings, apparently, closed the transactions of 
the year, and the results which followed, seemed ominous 
of the decline and downfall of Liberty. The Assembly, 
no. longer composed of those patriots who had resisted the 
authority of the Crown, and the blandishments of the Go- 
vernor, had by large appropriations yielded unqualified 
submission to the Mutiny Act; and the supporters of the Go- 
vernment boasted that the submission was approved by the 
people. That the act for emitting bills of credit, and for 
loaning them to the people, and its prospective allurements, 
had weakened the opposition, was certain. These bills were 
made legal tender in all dues to the Government, and pos- 
sessed the essential character of the treasury notes of the pre- 
sent day. They were issued by oflficers appointed by the Go- 
vernor and Council, and their effect was to increase the power 
and patronage of the Crown, under the ostensible object of 
decreasing the burthens of taxation, and of furnishing a cir- 
culating medium to the people, which was much wanted at 
the time. 

* Long after the Revolution a resident of Neiv Haven, in Connecticut ; 
he was grandfather of the talented Theo. S. Fay. The Broomes were, 
from first to last, staunch patriots ; and John Broome, brother of Samuel, 
in latter times Lieutenant Governor of this State, loaned without inte- 
rest a large sum of money, to arm and equip M'Dougall's regiment, to 
enable it to reach the Northern Army. 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 53 

The passage of this act may be considered the germ of 
bank legislation, so successful to politicians of aftertimes; 
and it was in fact the establishment of a government bank, 
in its worst form, containing no safeguards for the people. 
That its effect was extensive, and fatal to the union of the 
popular party is certain. Even Sears, the sturdy patriot, was 
caught by the lure, and was induced, for a season, to consider 
the emission of the bills a benefit, more than counterbalancing 
the dangerous submission to the Mutiny Act. The sagacity 
of that champion of the people was often at fault, but his zeal 
was never inactive : for upon being made to discover the 
snare into which he had fallen, he was among the foremost 
in the denunciatory proceedings of the 17th December. 

On the 4th January, 1770, a report had reached the com- 
mittee of serious defection in the non-importation league, at 
Boston, and that even John Hancock had violated the patri- 
otic compact. Rumors injurious to that gentleman had been 
previously circulated, charging him with having offered to 
contract for the supply of the troops under the Mutiny Act. 
This he had vehemently denied j and he repelled, with equal 
indignation, this second impeachment. Large meetings had 
been held to procure the passage of an act, establishing the 
vote by ballot, at future elections; and Mr. Lamb, together 
with the other persons who had composed the committee on 
the recent address to the House, were chosen to further the 
application. In committee of the whole, the bill passed wifh 
only five dissentients. But the omnipotence of the Governor's 
party was secured, and the adherents of the Crown, aware of 
its injurious effects upon their interests, rallied in defence of 
the " old and constitutional mode" of the open vote; and the 
new bill met defeat in the House, by a very large majority. 

The inevitable consequences of the Governor's triumph be- 
gan to exhibit themselves in the insolence of the soldiery; 
and the spirit of animosity between the officers of the King 
and the people was hourly increasing: and as the subordi- 
nates are often induced to outstrip their superiors in acts of 



54 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

aggression, they were rendered more audacious in their in- 
sults, by the recent acts of the Assembly in providing for 
their support; while the people became more restive at the 
aggressions of the myrmidons, whose location among them 
was for the purpose of overawing and reducing them to sub- 
mission.* A Major Pullaine had interfered with the au- 
thority of the Committee, to prevent summary justice from 
being inflicted upon some notorious violator of the non-im- 
portation covenant, and had ordered out a guard for his pro- 
tection. This act of militaiy assumption was severely repro- 
bated by the people, but was countenanced by the dominant 
party; and the soldiers, encouraged to despise the power of 
the people and the civil authorities, resorted to their ancient 
mode of exhibiting vengeance. 

The Liberty Pole had, since the 21st of March, 1767, re- 
mained unmolested; and now as popular supremacy seemed 
to wane, and the adherents of arbitrary power lorded the as- 
cendant, on the 13th January, a party of the 16th Regi- 
ment assailed the pole,f and cutting away the supporters, 
once more attempted to blow it up with gun powder. A 
few citizens, on the first alarm, gathered in front of the Bar- 
din House, now occupied by Montangnie; and the rioters, 
desisting from the attempt on the pole, with drawn weapons 
assaulted the citizens, who retired within the house. The 
soldiers followed them,f forcing their way into the building, 
bayonet in hand, demolishing the windows, and committing 
much damage to the house and furniture. One of the un- 
armed inmates narrowly escaped death from the thrust of a 
bayonet, which he was fortunately able to parry, and received 
but a slight injury. Some officers who had been notified of the 
affray, now arrived, and the soldiers were ordered to the 
barracks. 

The two following nights they made other attempts, which 
were imavailing. But on the night of the 16th, the third 

* Holt's paper. t Idem. J Idem. 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMF. 55 

time, under cover of a ruined building belonging to the cor- 
poration, which had once been used for barracks, they more 
secretly and effectually carried on their design, and succeed- 
ed in prostrating the pole. This they sawed in pieces, and 
piled up in front of Montangnie's door. The audacious 
deed, on the next day, rallied the citizens in good earnest, 
and three thousand assembled at a call.* Though a force so 
formidable was convened, no violent retaliation was intend- 
ed. The meeting passed resolves, that the employment of 
soldiers off duty, to perform work for the citizens, was inju- 
rious to the laboring classes, and that it should be discoun- 
tenanced. They farther resolved, that all soldiers found 
armed in the streets, except sentinels and orderly sergeants, 
and all out of barracks after roll-call, armed or unarmed, 
should be treated as enemies to the peace of the city; and 
they pledged themselves to mutual support, in carrying their 
resolutions into effect. And farther, appointed a committee 
to move the corporation for permission to demolish the build- 
ing which had screened the soldiers in their act of violence 
against the pole. 

The proceedings of this meeting were followed, next day, 
by the posting of placards about the city, and handbills 
thrown into the Mayor's house, using the most abusive, in- 
sulting and provoking language; and casting scurrilous epi- 
thets upon the Sons of Liberty; challenging them to attempt 
the destruction of the building alluded to, and putting the 
authority of the citizens at defiance. This paper was signed 
" 16th Regiment"; and in style of composition was above 
the ordinary capacity of the rank and file of the army. The 
abusive publication was put up in open day, and a trio 
was discovered by Isaac Sears,f Walter Quackenbos and 
others, in the act of posting them. Sears immediately col- 
lared the one, while Quackenbos seized the other with the 
bundle of papers. A third of the soldiers, drew his bayonet 

• Holt's Paper. 

t Handbills Historical Society and Holt's paper. • 



56 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

and rushed upon Sears; who, snatching up a ram's horn, the 
only missile within his reach, hurled it in the face of his 
assailant; and keeping the rest at bay, Sears, with his asso- 
ciates, marched off the captive delinquents to the Mayor's 
office. 

A reinforcement of twenty, from the lower barracks, now 
made their appearance; and drawing their cutlasses and bayo- 
nets, appeared determined to rescue the captives. The un- 
armed citizens, who had gathered in numbers at these threat- 
ening demonstrations, seized upon such means of defence as 
were within their grasp, and wrenching the stakes from the 
carts and sleighs about them, they stood upon the defensive. 
The Mayor now ordered the soldiers to their barracks, and, 
after much demur, they retreated towards Golden hill; the 
citizens following, and some of them peaceably remonstrating 
against the violence of their proceedings. At Golden hill, 
the military were again reinforced, and one, supposed to be 
an officer in disguise, who was clad in neat buckskin small 
clothes and silk stockings, but who in other respects seemed 
to be a common soldier, gave the order to draw and cut their 
way through the citizens, who had gathered in considerable 
numbers. The order to charge was obeyed, and a furious 
attack was made upon the populace, who had hitherto re- 
frained from any violence. The few who had any means of 
resistance, ranged themselves in front of their defenceless 
friends, but one of them, losing his clumsy weapon in the affray, 
was compelled to retreat, followed by several of the rioters 
with drawn swords and bayonets: and as Francis Field, a Qua- 
ker citizen, was standing in his door way, one of them aimed 
a blow at him, which was partly intercepted by the brickwork, 
but which still had sufficient force to inflict a large wound 
in his cheek. Thi'ee other citizens were wounded; one 
thrust through with a bayonet; and at some distance from 
thence, a sailor was cut down. In addition to this, a lad was 
hurt in the head, and diiven into a neighboring house for 
shelter; and as he was entering, a thrust was made with a 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 57 

bayonet at a woman who opened the door of the house into 
which he had escaped. A citizen who had the good fortune 
to be armed with a cane, and who had been conspicuous in 
assisting to secure the two culprits carried before the Mayor, 
was now attacked by two soldiers at once, but made good 
his defence for sometime; and upon a bystander putting a 
halbert into his hand, as his weapon was disabled, the assail- 
ants retreated to the hill. Another inhabitant, coming out 
of his door, was attacked by several; but having an effi- 
cient weapon at hand, made successful defence of his citadel. 
The whole party had gathered to the hill, and the citizens, 
notwithstanding the disparity of weapons, kept them in oc- 
cupation, and hemmed them in on every side. Many of the 
soldiers were disabled and disarmed, and more sanguinary 
vengeance might have been taken by the populace; but they 
contented themselves with depriving the adversary of their 
weapons. Another reinforcement of soldiers approached in 
rear of the party which surrounded the hill, and called to 
their comrades to charge through the citizens, and they would 
support them by an attack upon the rear; but a party of officers 
now appearing, the military were ordered to the barracks. 
Many of the soldiers were severely wounded, and one badly 
cut on the shoulder. Thus ended the day, and the night 
passed by without disturbance, except from a straggling 
party, who assaulted and wounded two lamp-lighters. 

' On the nineteenth, a soldier attacked a woman coming 
from market, and thrust a bayonet through her cloak and 
clothing. About noon, a battle began between some of the 
military and a party of sailors, who in these affi'ays generally 
sided with the people, and one old seaman was thrust through 
the body. While this contention was raging, the Mayor ap- 
peared on the ground, and ordered all to disperse. The sol- 
diers disobeying, the magistrate ordered their officers to be 
called; but the military, with drawn bayonets, intercepted 
the messenger and forbade him to proceed. A body of the 
people now coming up Broadway, the soldiers dispersed. 



58 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

In the afternoon, as a number of the citizens had assembled 
in front of the new jail, a party of the military appeared in 
sight, and although there was no necessity for their disturb- 
ing the Assembly, they charged in bravado, up to the rear. 
The inhabitants opened to the right and left, and gave them 
free passage. Resolved to provoke an affray, they attempted 
to disarm some of the citizens of their canes. They were 
now indulged in their desire, and a battle began, in which 
some of the soldiers were disarmed, and the party driven to 
the barracks. One citizen was hurt in the face, and one of the 
assailants severely wounded in the shoulder; while another, 
who had been found prominent in the affair of the preceding 
day, was arrested and committed. On the next day after the 
second affray, the Mayor isssued an order that no soldiers 
should be out of the barracks on duty, except accompanied 
by a non-commissioned officer; and notified the citizens, that 
when soldiers appear in numbers, thus accompanied, they 
need not be alarmed.* 

At the meeting of the 17th, the question was put upon 
moving the corporation for permission to re-erect their flag 
staff upon the former place, or upon some other suitable spot. 
This was opposed by Mr. Lamb, and some others, as conced- 
ing that the corporation had a right to refuse such permission. 
But this view of the subject was overruled by a majority, and 
a Committee was appointed to petition the corporation in 
that respect. The memorial, dated on the 30th January, set 
forth the patriotic occasion on which the first flag staff had 
been erected; the legitimate objects for which it had been 
used; the wanton aggressions of the military upon the rights 
of the people, in destroying the emblem erected to constitu- 
tional liberty; and called upon the corporation to grant them 
leave to reinstate the one which had been recently overthrown. 
Their request was rejected. Meanwhile the minority was re- 
solved to act independently of the corporation, and purchased 

* Holt's paper 



* LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 59 

a piece of ground near the site of the pole which had been 
destroyed, and while the subject was yet depending before 
the board, a meeting was convened by them, acting as a 
Committee of the Sons of Liberty,* at which it was deter- 
mined to erect their liberty pole, despite the municipal au- 
thorities. This was done with great unanimity, and a mast, 
strongly guarded with iron bands and bars, and sunk deep 
in the earth, so as to defy all further attempts to prostrate it, 
was raised with due form, and appropriate ceremonies. It 
was inscribed Liberty and Property, and surmounted with a 
top mast, upon which was a large vane, with similar in- 
scription. 

* Feb. 3, 1770. Committee of the Sons of Liberty notify a meeting at 
Crommeline's wharf, to erect a pole on ground belonging to them. — Hand- 
bills Historical Soc. Library. 



60 LIFE OF JOHN I.AMB. 



CHAPTER V. 

Parker examined. — McDougall arrested. — Confinement. — Case assimi- 
lated to Wilkes's. — House purchased by Sons of Liberty. — Hampden 
Hall. — Repeal Celebration. — Citizens salute McDougall in Jail. — Soldiers 
attempt Liberty Pole. — Assault Hampden Hall. — Repulsed. — Dispersed. 
— McDougall gives Bail. — Is released. — Non-importation League declines. 
— Repeal of the Duties except on Tea. — Efforts of Sons of Liberty to 
sustain the League. — General Committee recommend Abrogation. — De- 
nounced at Faneuil Hall — Hampden Hall Protest. — Importation of every 
thing except Tea. — Lord Dunmore Governor. — McDougall arrested on 
Speaker's Warrant. — Committed for Contempt. — Habeas Corpus. — House 
demur. — Outrage of the Soldiers. — Tryon succeeds Lord Dunmore. — 
Pitt's Statue mutilated. — Efforts to induce importation of Tea. — Kelly 
burnt in Effigy.— 1770 to 1773. 

The dismissal of Mr. Lamb, was followed by a star cham- 
ber process, in order to discover the author of the alledged 
libel upon the Assembly, This paper had been published at 
the office of James Parker, the printer of a newspaper in the 
city; and at the same time, comptroller and secretary of the 
post office. A journeyman in his employ, corrupted by the 
reward offered by the Assembly, made some disclosures, 
which, on the 7th of February, procured the arrest of Parker,* 
who was taken to the Fort and examined by the Governor 
and Council. Failing to procure the necessary information, 
while he was still in confinement, all the apprentices in his 
office were brought before the Council; and the fact was 
elicited, that the paper had issued thence; but the informants 
were ignorant of the author. Parker was again examined, 
and threatened w^ith dismissal from his employment in the 
post office, unless he disclosed the name of the author; and 
at the same time, promised indemnity for the past, upon his 
compliance. He made certain avowals, upon which a bench 

* Holt's paper. 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 61 

warrant was caused to be issued against Alexander McDou- 
gall, who was arrested next day and carried before the 
chief justice; and refusing to give bail, he was committed to 
prison. 

The case of McDougall bore some analogy to that of 
Wilkes, who was about that time every where toasted, as the 
great apostle and martyr of Liberty; and McDougall's friends 
were solicitous to assimilate their champion's fate, as nearly 
to his as possible.* The number of the North Briton, which 
had called down the vengeance of the government upon the 
transatlantic patriot, was forty-five. The number forty-five, 
became the watchword and countersign of the popular party. 
They crowded to the jail, and demanded admission to their 
friend; and upon being asked their names, the answer was 
universal. We are forty -five.f So constant and so numerous 
were these visitors, which were of both sexes, that the im- 
prisoned patriot was obliged to publish a card,| announcing 
the hours, from three to six in the afternoon, as those on 
which he would receive their condolence. The boldness 
which Mc Dougall had displayed during the latter part of 
the year 1769, and the constancy with which he endured his 
confinement, were fortunate in restoring him to the commu- 
nion of his party, from which he had been at one time some- 
what excluded. He had not been among the most active in 
the times of the Stamp Act; and a lukewarmness, displayed 
upon a former occasion, had shaken the confidence of some 
of his friends, among whom were Lamb and Sears, in his 
firmness and devotion. But the manly resolution with which 
he braved the power of the Crown, effectually redeemed him 
from suspicion, and gave a new impulse to his popularity, 

Montangnie, who had taken Bardin's establishment, the 
Tammany Hall of that time, had suifered his house to be- 
come the resort of many who had been zealous enough in the 
times of the Stamp Act, but who now leaned to the Go- 

* Holt's paper. f Idem. J Idem. 



62 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

vernor's party, and had permitted his rooms to be engaged 
by them for the approaching repeal celebration, to the ex- 
clusion of the Committee and their friends of more orthodox 
principles. The excluded patriots, now purchased a house 
at the corner of Broadway and the Bowery road,* which they 
christened Hampden Hall, and which was occupied by Henry 
Bicker. At this house, on the 19th March, they called their 
meeting for the celebration of the day. The call was an- 
swered by the assembling of a numerous body of the citizens, 
who had been active in the proceedings of the 16th Decem- 
ber. Forty-five toasts were drank. The following are part 
of the toasts: 

15th. The Liberty of the Press. 

16th. John Wilkes, for his noble struggles in the cause of 
Liberty. 

17th. Capt. Alexander McDougall, who has nobly stood 
forth in its defence. 

And after dinner the company formed in procession, and 
proceeded to the jail, where McDougall was confined; sa- 
luted him v^'iih forty-five cheers; and then marching through 
the city and back to the Liberty Pole, they quietly dis- 
persed. 

A part of the troops stationed in the barracks were or- 
dered for embarkation, and they resolved to signalize their 
departure by another attack on the Liberty Pole, and even 
swore they would carry with them a part of it, as a trophy 
of their victory .f On the 29th March, fifteen of these, in the 
dead of the night, marched to the spot, and finding the lower 
mast too strongly fortified, they attempted to unship the top- 
mast. In this they were discovered by a few of the citizens 
who were accidentally passing the common. The soldiers, 
alarmed, retreated to the baracks. The citizens w^ho had re- 
mained! were joined by fifteen or twenty others; and as 
they surrounded the pole, the soldiers who had received a re- 

* Supplement Holt's Journal, 1418. 
t Holt's paper. J Idem. 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 63 

inforcement, now, with forty of their number, returned and 
attacked them with drawn weapons. Most of the citizens 
retreated to Bicker's; and some others of the military from 
the barracks coming up, they surrounded the house and at- 
tempted to force the door. Bicker defended the entrance 
with fixed bayonet,* and kept the assailants at bay. The 
furious soldiers not only threatened destruction to the pole 
and all its defenders, but even swore they would burn the 
house, which was so vigorously defended. Some of those 
who had been driven from the pole, sounded the alarm bell 
at St. George's Chapel in Beekman street; and as the citi- 
zens began to assemble, an officer arriving, ordered the sol- 
diers to quarters. A strict watch was kept at the pole all 
night, and every night afterwards, until the 3d May, when 
the troops sailed for the place of their destination. 

In the April term of the court, the grand jury found a bill 
against McDougall for the alleged libel, who pleaded not 
guilty. During this investigation, Messrs. Delancy, Walton 
and Des Noyelles, members of the Assembly, sat upon the 
bench with the judges. McDougall now consented to give 
bail on a personal bond of five hundred pounds, and with two 
sureties, each of two hundred and fifty pounds, and was set at 
1 iberty.f 

The efforts of the Committee to keep unbroken the non- 
importation agreement, were unceasing; and their vigilance 
in detecting and exposing infractions, and in enforcing prac- 
tical admonitions to the aiders and abettors of any violations, 
undoubtedly had great influence every where. As a speci- 
men of that vigilance and industry, the following letter is 
introduced : 

New York, 11th May, 1770. 
Bretheren : 

We take this opportunity to acquaint you, that having re- 
ceived information, that a certain Nathan Rogers, of the 
town of Boston, Merchant, (one of those who have for some 

* Holt's paper. f Handbills Historical Society. 



64 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

time past, been advertised by the Committee of Merchants 
there, as a person who had endeavored to counteract the lau- 
dable and patriotic resolutions of his bretheren, by his per- 
sisting to import British goods contrary to their agreement), 
was in town; and suspecting that his design in visiting our 
city, was to poison the minds of the merchants here, and in- 
fluence them, if possible, to break the non-importation agree- 
ment; we therefore thought it absolutely necessary, to make 
an example of such a miscreant, and accordingly exhibited 
him last night in effigy, suspended on a gallows attended by 
4 or 5,000 spectators, w^ho called at his lodgings, in order to 
have him personally introduced to them. But in this they 
were disappointed, as he dined out of town. 

The cavalcade then proceeded through the principal streets 
of the city to the common, where the effigy and the gallows 
were burnt amidst the acclamations of the people. The en- 
closed is a copy of the letter, which was left at his lodgings, 
and forwarded to him, as he did not return to town, but or- 
dered his carriage out at 2 o'clock this morning, and imme- 
diately decamped for Boston. He intended visiting your 
city in a few days, and doubtless will yet do it, if our con- 
duct towards him has not disconcerted his plan. He is a 
man about 5 feet 8 inches high, pretty corpulent, round 
shouldered, stoops a good deal, and generally appears in green 
and gold, or purple and gold. We thought it necessary to 
give you this information, that you may give him a proper 
reception, in case he should come your way. As we under- 
stand your merchants and inhabitants are to have a meeting 
on the 15th instant, in order to consider what steps may be 
necessary for them to take in the present conjuncture, we 
take the liberty to assure you, that a very great majority of 
the merchants and inhabitants of this city, are positively de- 
termined that the non-importation agreement shall not be 
broke through here, (while the other Colonies adhere to it), 
'til a total repeal of the acts imposing duties upon paper, 
painters' colors, glass, and tea, takes place. The eyes of not 
only us, but the whole continent are upon you. As we are 
well assured that the merchants of Boston will strictly ad- 
here to the agreement, as they are now reshipping the goods 
which lately arrived; it therefore greatly depends upon your 
conduct, whether the people of America shall remain Jfree, or 
become the most vile and abject slaves. 

We must request that you will credit no accounts relative 
to the conduct of our merchants, imtil you receive it from the 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 65 

Committee of Merchants here, as the enemies of America, 
are industriously propagating reports which are calculated to 
divide us, and thereby render us an easy prey. 
To the Sons of Liberty in Philadelphia.* 

While, as this letter evinces, the spirit of the patriots was 
unbroken, and relying upon the cooperation of the general 
Committee of One Hundred, which had some time before 
been appointed, they were resolved to adhere to the last, a 
serious defection, of which they were not aware, had taken 
place in that committee, which gave a death blow to the 
non-importation league. The efforts of the Ministerialists to 
weaken this great bond of the Union, had been unceasing, 
and the governmental appliances had been but too successful. 

Rhode Island had relaxed, and a meeting of the citizens 
was called to express their disapprobation; and also to take 
order, relative to some merchandise which had been brought 
into the city the day before. The proceedings of that meet- 
ing are copied from the original among the. papers of the 
Committee of Vigilance: 

" Whereas the enemies of the Liberties of America in 
Great Britain, have declared, in order to support their tyranny, 
that the laudable agreement entered into by the merchants 
of North America, not to import goods, until the act of Par- 
liament imposing a duty on paper, glass, painters' colors, and 
tea, was repealed, was broke through and at an end: and 
whereas the merchants of Newport in the colony of Rhode 
Island, although they acceded to the above compact very Jate; 
by which they have greatly advanced their private interests, 
and injured the cause of liberty, in which they in common 
with the other colonies are interested; have notwithstanding 
these considerations, being lost to all sense of public virtue, 
and influenced by a sordid regard to private gain, lately re- 
ceived English and East India goods contrary to their own 
voluntary and solemn contract; and thereby violated their 
faith pledged to the other colonies; so that they have given 

*Lamb papers, N. Y. His. Soc. 

9 



66 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

too much ground for our enemies to triumph; and to dis- 
courage the noble struggles now making to preserve the 
liberties of this country: in order therefore to prevent the 
former, and support the latter, and if possible to bring them 
to a sense of their duty; 

Resolved, That the merchants of New Port, or any others, 
who have violated the non-importation agreement, are for 
that inglorious defection from the interests of their country, 
declared enemies to the liberties of North America; and that 
unless they return to their duty, we will treat them as such. 

Resolved, That we will have no trade or commerce with 
the merchants of the colony of Rhode Island, or any of its 
inhabitants, but on condition that the merchants of that 
colony, solemnly declare on oath, that they will strictly ob- 
serve and maintain the non-importation agreement, and use 
their best endeavors to oblige others to conform to it, while 
the same is adhered to by the capital towns on the continent; 
and as an evidence of their sincerity, immediately reship 
all the goods unsold to Great Britain, which they have im- 
ported contrary to their agreement; and send to us two re- 
putable merchants,- who have been witnesses of the other 
merchants; being qualified as above required; and of the 
departure of the said goods: and also, that they give strict 
orders to the masters of their vessels trading to Great Britain, 
not to take any goods on board, not allowed by the agree- 
ment, for any person or persons whatsoever. And if any 
goods should arrive in their vessels contrary to the non- 
importation agreement, that they cause them to be reshipped 
to Great Britain, or to w^hatever place they were imported 
from. 

Resolved, That if the merchants of the said colony do not, 
in one month after the date hereof, comply with the requisi- 
tions in the preceding resolution, although the act of Parlia- 
ment imposing the aforesaid duties should be totally repealed: 
yet we will hold the merchants and inhabitants of that colony 
in the utmost contempt and abhorrence; in order to transmit 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 67 

to our posterity the strongest evidence of our detestation of 
the base conduct of the enemies of their country. 

Resolved, That we will use our endeavors with the mer- 
chants and inhabitants of the neighboring colonies, to come 
into resolutions similar to these. 

Resolved, That it is the opinion of the inhabitants now 
met, that the vessels trading from Rhode Island now in port, 
do depart in twenty- four hours from the dissolution of this 
convention; and that the masters of such vessels as have 
lately arrived from that colony, be desired to depart without 
unloading any part of their cargoes. 

Resolved, That we will, to the utmost of our power, by all 
legal means, preserve the non-importation agreement invio- 
late in this city and colony, until the act aforesaid is totally 
repealed; and that we will not buy any goods from any 
person or persons, who shall transgress that salutary agree- 
ment; and that we will use our utmost influence to prevent 
others from purchasing goods from them. 

Resolved, That the goods imported yesterday, in Captain 
Spears, from Glasgow, contrary to the non-importation 
agreement, shall not be landed in any port of this colony, 
under any pretences whatever: but that the same shall be ex- 
ported, without delay, to Great Britain; and that Messrs. 
Walter and Thomas Buchanan, and the said captain, in order 
to satisfy the public, declare without loss of time that they 
will use their utmost endeavors that this resolution be punc- 
tually complied with. 

J\ew-York, May 30, 1770.* 

To these resolves, the citizens assembled gave their hearty 
concurrence; but to the surprise of the Committee of Vigi- 
lance, the Committee of One Hundred disavowed their mani- 
festo; upon which, on the 7th of June, Isaac Sears and Peter 
Vandervoot withdrew from the General Committee. The 
pertinacious Committee of Vigilance denounced, in no mode- 

* Lamb's papers, N. Y. His, Soc. 



68 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

rate terms, their timid and faultering compeers; and deter- 
mined stoutly to resist the relaxing influences in operation 
against them. Some goods had been brought into the city 
from the eastward, and were secretly vended in defiance 
of the league; and the patriots called upon the General 
Committee to enforce the penalty of the covenant. They 
accordingly seized the prohibited merchandise, and lodged it 
in store. But it was discovered by the Committee of Vigi- 
lance, that some prominent members of the One Hundred, 
were industriously sapping the league, by circulating a pa- 
per and obtaining subscriptions among the citizens, recom- 
mending the abrogation of the compact, and the resumption 
of imports, with the exception of tea; and apprehending 
that the offending commodities might be taken away or re- 
leased, the more determined of the patriots forcibly took them 
into possession, and committed them to the flames: for 
which they received the public rebuke of the Committee of 
One Hundred.* 

While the board at New York were declining in the ob- 
servance of the saluary agreement, Massachusetts, Connecti- 
cut, Pennsylvania and New Jersey remonstrated against the 
infraction of the Union. The Bostonians, on the 24th, de- 
clared that so long as there was a shadow of a duty on tea, 
the repeal as to other articles ought not to dissolve the non- 
importation compact. The devoted Sons of Liberty in New 
York reechoed these sentiments, and the adjacent colonies 
joined in the exhortations to adherence. The patriots in 
New York demanded that a new General Committee should 
be chosen in the city; but disaffection had gained ground. 
The subscription for the renewal of importations had become 
a formidable list; and the patriotism of the people was ma- 
nifestly yielding. Philadelphia, in derision of this weakness, 
advised that the " Old Liberty Pole of New York should be 
transferred to* that city, as it no longer formed a rallying 
point for the votaries of Freedom at home." 

* Holt's paper. 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMR 69 

Neither the sentiments of patriotism, or the dread of de- 
nunciatiom and ridicule, could keep the Committee of One 
Hundred to their duty.* They, on the 9th July, resolved to 
import, and the 24th, sent a circular letter, justifying in the 
best terms they could, their defection, and announced their re- 
solution to abrogate the league, in everything but the im- 
portation of tea.f Tw^o days aftervi^ards, Hampden Hall, and 
its patriotic supporters, the true Sons of Liberty, received 
this annunciation with an emphatic and indignant protest. | 
The missive was received at Faneuil Hall with some doubts 
of its authenticity. It could hardly be believed possible that 
it had received the sanction of New York. The paper w as 
declared infamous, torn in pieces, and scattered to the winds, 
in indignation. But when another letter, complaining of the 
indignity put upon their manifesto, and attempting farther 
to justify their proceedings arrived, the clamor of the Bos- 
tonians was vociferous. Connecticut responded to the cry, 
and Har. Gansevoort, Volkert P. Douw, Harm's Wendell, 
Guysbert Fonda, and Barent Ten Eyck, patriotic merchants 
of Albany, in a letter to the Committee of Vigilance, de- 
nounced the renunciation as pusillanimous and detestable.^ 

Mr. Lamb, who had continued of the Committee of the Sons 
of Liberty, upon its revival upon the excitements against the 
Mutiny Act, and the imposts, joined loudest in the cry of his 
compatriots at the inglorious abandonment, and the Commit- 
tee were determined on renewed vigilance, to defeat the pur- 
poses of the Ministerial party, resolving to cooperate with 
their brethren abroad, in measures most conducive to that in- 
tent. On the 12th September, Boston proposed a conference, 
to which Connecticut and New Jersey consented ; but the ar- 
guments of the rescinding Committee of New York, had 
found more favor in Philadelphia, than at the eastward, or in 

* July 9, 1770, Resolved to import. Signed, Isaac Low, Chairman. — 
Handbills His. Soc. 

t Holt's papers. t Idem. J Idem. 



70 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

the intermediate Colony.* That city no longer laid claim to 
the Liberty Pole, and yielded their consent to a dissolution 
of the compact.! For a while, Boston resisted the mischie- 
vous compliance, and were sustained by the minority in New 
York. They even, on the 20th, ordered some goods that 
had arrived to be reshipped, but at length, on the 1 1th Octo- 
ber, they came into the general resolution of resuming the 
importation of everything except tea.| 

Another victory had been won by the Crown, but yet the 
patriotic minority in New York, stood to their arms.§ The 
men of Hampden Hall, even ventured a rebuke to those of 
Faneuil, for not holding out longer, and the sentinels of both 
Citadels of Freedom, discomfited, but not dismayed, resolved 
to " bide their time," and to sink into the inaction to which 
the force of circumstances had compelled them. 

The leaden statue of the King, ordered by the Assembly 
of 1766, had arrived, and on the 21st August, 1770, had been 
erected in the Bowling Green. The one voted to Mr. Pitt 
was to have been of brass; but was afterwards directed to be 
made of marble. This was in the ensuing month placed in 
Wall street, at the corner of Smith, now William street.|| 
The 25th October, the new Governor, Lord Dunmore, made 
his appearance, and was addressed, and congratulated by the 
civil and religious corporations of the city. His Excellency 
was the bearer of the King's gracious assent to the bill for 
the emission of bills of credit, and brought the news of the 
aggressions of Spain upon the British settlements at Falkland 
Islands; and he intimated, that his Majesty relied upon the 
loyalty of his Colonies in America, in the war which was ex- 
pected to follow, and the 11th December, reminded them that 
supplies for the troops would be necessary, and doubts not 
of prompt appropriations. 

Nothing could exceed the complaisance of the Assembly 
to the message of the Governor, and as if they could not more 
effectually display their own submission, and loyalty to the 

* Holt's papers. tibid. t Ibid, §Ibid. i| Ibid. 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 71 

King, than by punishing one who had shown a disposition 
to evade the duty of passive obedience and non-resistance; 
on the 13th, they ordered Capt. Alexander McDougall, who 
"was under indictment for a libel against them, to appear at 
the bar, upon a warrant of the Speaker of the House.* That 
gentlemen was brought up on the 20th, and charged as the 
author of the libel upon the Assembly, circulated in 1769. 
McDougall informed the House, that he had been arrested in 
consequence of a resolve, and an offer of a reward by the As- 
sembly; that he had been held to bail in the courts of justice; 
and that the trial of the indictment under which he now la- 
bored, had been vexatiously and unnecessarily delayed, and 
asked who were his accusers.f He was interrupted by the 
same loyal member, at whose instance Mr. Lamb had been 
arrested the year before, and required to give a categorical 
answer, if, or not, he was the author of the paper. The pri- 
soner then endeavored to explain why he ought not to be 
called upon to give such answer, when he was again inter- 
rupted, and forbidden to proceed. The Speaker ordered him 
to be silent, and threatened to commit him for contempt, if 
he continued.| 

George Clinton§ now interposed in his behalf, and sug- 
gested that he ought, always with proper respect for the 
House, to be permitted to explain his reasons; and finally, 
the Speaker consented to hear them. McDougall then said, 
that no notice having been given him of the proceeding 
against him, he had not been able to procure counsel; that 
the charge was too indefinite: and that the House, having 
voted the paper a libel, he could not deny or affirm, whether, 
or not, he had been the writer. The paper was now read, 

* Two terms of the Court had elapsed since the bill against McDou- 
gall had been found, and no prosecution of the suit against him had taken 
place. — Handbills His. Soc. Library. 

t Assembly Journals, Handbills New York Historical Society, McDou- 
gall's manifesto dated New Jail, " 22 Nov," must be 22d December. 

t McDougall's manifesto § Holt's paper. 



72 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

and he was again called upon to answer, as before. Mc- 
Dougall again said, that under the declaration of the House 
that the paper was a libel, and the offer of a reward of one 
hundred pounds by them for the discovery of the author, a 
prosecution at law had been conunenced against him: that 
the Legislature were virtually complainants in the case, and 
parties to the prosecution in the courts of law. And that it 
being now pending in those courts, he thought the House 
could not properly have cognizance of the case; and doubted 
if any parliamentary precedents could justify the present pro- 
ceeding: again waiving to answer the question. The same 
member once more imperatively ordered him to answer, 
affirming that the House had power to extort it; and threat- 
ened the infliction of the peine forte et dure. Mr. Clinton* 
again interposed, and admitted the power of the House to be 
great: they might throw the prisoner over the bar, or out of 
the window: but the public would judge, and doubt the jus- 
tice of the proceedings. He then moved an inquiry, whether 
the order of the House, and the offer of the reward, had been 
the foundation of the suit in the Court of Justice: and if the 
House was, indeed, the party in that suit.f McDougall, ap- 
prehending that his answer had not been fully understood by 
the House, requested permission to reduce it to writing. 

This being done, the Speaker declared that it reflected 
upon the dignity of the House; and if not withdrawn, it 
would be punished as a contempt. Mr. Clinton here said,J 
that no man would do more to sustain the dignity of the 
House than himself, but that he thought that the true dignity 
of the Assembly would be better suported by justice, than 
by any overstrained authority. The majority persisted, and 
called upon McDougall to ask pardon of the House, and upon 
his refusal to do so, he was committed to jail.§ A writ of 

* Journals of the Assembly. 

t McDoue:airs Manifesto. % Holt's paper. 

§The patriots who voted against this motion, were Gale, Van Cortlandt, 
WoodhuU, Capt. Seaman, and Clinton. Schuyler was not present. 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 73 

habeas corpus was sued out of the Court of Justice, and the 
sheriff appeared before the House, and gave notice of the 
issue. The House ordered that the judges be informed, that 
the prisoner had been committed under a warrant from them, 
and instructed the sheriff^ to detain him. A committee was 
appointed, 22d January 1771, to search the records of the 
House of Commons for precedents of similar cases. The 
Committee reported that they had found such precedents; 
and the subject was debated on the 15th February, whether 
the sheriff" should be indemnified for resisting the authority of 
the Court. McDougall was detained for some time after 
this, and the records of the Assembly contain no other pro- 
ceedings respecting him. It is probable that they yielded 
obedience to the writ of habeas corpus: and Parker, the main 
witness for the prosecution being dead, most likely the in- 
dictment was never tried; for McDougall was at large, and 
active on several important occasions during the subsequent 
strugglas. 

Little happened to disturb the public tranquility, after the 
last fruitless attempt upon the Liberty Pole. But the soldiers 
were prompt upon every occasion, to display the triumph of 
the goverrmient over the people, and the latter, perhaps, not 
backward to take fire at their insults. A party of officers,* on 
the 11th of Jime, dining in the upper rooms of the Exchange, 
had placed sentinels on the piazza, to guard against encroach- 
ments. It is alleged that some stones had been thrown by the 
multitude, upon the party thus stationed. Without know- 
ing what oflfence had been given, two gentlemen from Long 
Island went into the piazza, and were immediately assaulted 
by the sentinels with drawn bayonets, severely wounded, and 
taken to the guard house. Here they were held in confine- 
ment, until a sum of money was extorted from them. Upon 
a complaint being made to the officers, a pretended inquiry 
was had, and the testimony of the complainants was borne 
down by the denial of the parties charged. They were dis- 

* Holt's paper. 

10 



74 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

missed without redress; but the next day, the money which 
they had been compelled to pay, was returned to them.* 

On the 8th July, it was annoimced that Lord Dunmore, 
having been appointed Governor of Virginia, Mr. Tryon was 
transferred from North Carolina to New -York, in his stead. 
Perhaps the vigilance which he had displayed, in quieting 
the disturbances in his former government, was a motive to 
the transfer; and that the Ministry, anticipating farther oc- 
casion for the exercise of a vigorous administration, consi- 
dered his capacities in that respect of some importance.! 
The retiring Governor was complimented on his departure, 
and his successor was received with the same congratulations, 
which are usual on such occasions.! The Governor renew- 
ed to the Assembly § the apprehension of a rupture with 
Spain, in consequence of the seizure of Port Egmont by 
the Spaniards in the South Sea, and received from the House 
the same complaisance and assmrances which they had given 
to his predecessor. 

In the ensuing spring ( 1772), a complaint was hatched 
up against Sears, who had been inspector of pot ashes, of 
malversation in office; and though the charge was sufficiently 
rebutted, the refutation did not avail to save him from dis- 
mission. Sears, who had been so conspicuous in the trans- 
actions growing xDut of the meeting of 19th December, 1769, 
and the imprisonment of McDougall, was displaced; and 
Montangnie, whose house had been adopted as the resort of 
the government party, appointed in his stead. 

The ardency of the repeal celebrations was beginning to 
decline; and if any were held, the toasts and ceremonies of 
the occasion do not appear to have been published. The 
people seemed to have acquired a more correct estimate of 
the quantum of gratitude due to Lord Chatham for his ser- 
vices to America; and many were disposed to think him a 
better friend to the King and to himself, than to the votaries 
of liberty in either hemisphere; for some of them, on the 

* Holt's paper. f Idem. J Idem, § Assembly Journals. 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 75 

21st May, committed slight mutilations of the statue, erected 
to his honor in 1770.* 

The imposition of the duty on tea had been particularly 
insisted upon by the Minister, notwithstanding the East In- 
dia Company had offered to pay double the amount of the 
revenue, to be derived from this impost in America, pro- 
vided the Parliament would repeal it. The refusal to abolish 
this tax, was an illustration of the principle which the ad- 
herents of the Crown had established, and resolved to main- 
tain: and it claimed from the Colonies, a resolution as fixed 
and as inflexible, as that of the Minister. They still con- 
tinued to reject the tea, and to preserve, as far as possible, 
the league of non-importation of that commodity. To weak- 
en thisj and to force a farther consumption, for the benefit of 
the East India Company, the Parliament granted a drawback 
upon the exportation to the Colonies, to the full amount of 
the duty imposed in England; hoping that the decreased 
price of the commodity to the Colonial consumers, which 
this would enable the Company to afford, and^ which was four 
times the amount of the impost, would induce them to aban- 
don the league. But the patriots were not to be caught by 
this new device; and they resolved to maintain their princi- 
ples and covenant unimpaired. As soon as it was known 
that this new act had passed, and that vessels with large 
shipments had been ordered for America, the Colonists re- 
solved to exclude their cargoes from entry .f 

On the 20th October, 1773, they declared Tea Commission- 
ers, and Stamp Distributors, alike obnoxious, and passed votes 
of thanks to the masters of vessels, who had refused their ships 
to the use of the East India Company. They so emphati- 
cally denoimced its importation, that some of the commission 
merchants at home, refused to have any thing to do with the 
shipment,! declaring that they would not insure against its 
destruction, for twenty-five per cent premium. A certain 
Mr. Kelly, former resident of the city, then in London, and 

• Holt's paper. f Idem. { Idem, 



76 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

canvassing some one of the Ministerial Boroughs for an 
election to Parliament; ridiculed these apprehensions, and 
declared, that if animosities should rise as high as during the 
times of the Stamp Act, the tea might safely be shipped, 
and securely landed. That then, the Colony had an old man 
to deal with; but now, they would have to contend with a 
vigorous militaiy Governor; one who had shown his energy 
in putting down insurrectionary movements in North Caro- 
lina. The Committe of Vigilance took due note of these 
offensive declarations, and on the 5th November called a 
meeting at the Coffee House.* The people assembled, de- 
nounced Kelly, and burnt his effigy; and after the represent- 
ative was consumed, a gentleman observed, that it was mat- 
ter of regret, that the principal could not be dealt with in 
the same summary and exemplary manner .f 

The three Tea Commissioners appointed for New York, 
cautioned by these indications, on the 10th, declined their 
appointment;! and it was given out that the tea, when land- 
ed, would be taken to the public stores, until a convenient 
time should arrive to reship it to England. It was known 
that the ships had sailed on the 26th October, but by stress 
of weather, they were compelled to put back, and were only 
waiting a favorable wind to resume their voyage. 

On the 25th, the Mohawks § were notified to be in readi- 
ness on the arrival of the ships, and called upon to be on 
the alert for any sudden emergency. On the 29th Novem- 
ber, the Sons of Liberty formally reorganized themselves 
and passed the following resolves : 

* Holt's paper. f Idem. J Idem. 

^ This is the first time that this designation is used in the proceedings 
of the Committee, and this notice affords the strongest evidence of the 
united action of the Bostonians, with their compatriots of New York; be- 
tween whom, constant communication was kept up. That the destiny of 
the tea in both places, and the mode of its destruction was resolved upon, 
is certain ; and it is entirely owing to the arrival of the condemned article 
in Boston, having preceded that shipped for New York, that the Mohawks 
of the former place, were first called into action. 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 77 

Resolved, That whoever shall aid or abet, or in any man- 
ner assist in the introduction of tea from any place whatso- 
ever into this Colony, while it is subject, by a British act of 
Parliament, to the payment of a duty for the purpose of rais- 
ing a revenue in America, he shall be deemed an enemy to 
the liberties of America. 

Resolved, That whoever shall be aiding or assisting in the 
landing or carting of such tea from any ship, or vessel, or shall 
hire any house, storehouse, or cellar, or any place whatsoever 
to deposit the tea, subject to such duty, as aforesaid, he shall 
be deemed an enemy to the liberties of America. 

Resolved, That whoever shall sell or buy, or in any man- 
ner contribute to the sale or purchase of tea, subject to duty 
as aforesaid, or shall aid or abet in transporting such tea, by 
land or water, from this city until the 7th Geo. III. Chap. 46, 
commonly called the revenue act, shall be totally and clearly 
repealed, he shall be deemed an enemy to the liberties of 
America. 

Resolved, That whether the duties on tea, imposed by this 
act, be paid in Great Britain or in America, our liberties are 
equally affected. 

Resolved, That whoever shall transgress any of these re- 
solutions, we will not deal with or employ, or have any con- 
nection with him.* 

The owners and occupants of all stores, were forbidden to 
harbor the tea; and all infractors of this prohibition, were 
threatened as enemies of the liberty of their country. The 
patriots of both sexes, were solemnly adjured to abstain from 
the use of the prohibited commodity; as every cup of tea 
consumed, might be the cause of shedding oceans of blood, 
in the contest which would ensue, if receiving too much en- 
couragement from its use, the Ministers should resolve to 
force its reception.f And all were exhorted to imitate South 
Carolina, who had resolved on its rejection, and refused it 
entrance. 

* Handbills N. Y. His. Soc. Library. t Holt's paper. 



78 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 



CHAPTER VI. 

Vigilance of the Sons of Liberty. — Boston Tea Ships arrive. — That 
for New-York expected. — Tryon resolves to force the Landing. — Deter- 
mination to exclude it. — Meeting of the Citizens. — Committee of Fif- 
teen. — Tea Destroyed at Boston. — New- York Tea Ship blown off the 
Coast. — Arrives and taken Possession of by the Committee. — Ship Lon- 
don arrives. — Searched — Tea found and Destroyed. — Committee send 
back the Tea Ship without unloading, — Stringent Measures against 
Boston. — Committee of Fifty-One against reviving Non-importation 
League. — Overruled. — General Congress. — Boards and Straw for the Bar- 
racks at Boston stopped. — Sons of Liberty propose to arm and equip 
themselves. — Provincial Congress. — Rum seized and sent to Concord. 
— Custom House closed. — General Armament of the Whigs. 

The Sons of Liberty, under their new organization, were 
not negligent of their duty on any emergency. News had 
reached them, on the 15th December, that the Boston tea 
ships had arrived, and that the New- York shipments were 
expected soon to follow. At the same time, intelligence 
was received of the signal punishment inflicted upon an ob- 
noxious officer of the customs at Boston. This was hailed 
with hearty acclamation and concurrence by the citizens; 
and with a firm determination to imitate their intrepid east- 
ern brethren. Much speculation was indulged, respecting 
the measures which the Governor would adopt upon the ar- 
rival of the tea. The officers of the Crown, and their adhe- 
rents, were firm in their belief that the Governor ought and 
would compel it to be landed. On one occasion this matter 
was the subject of discussion; and a British officer, hearing 
some disbelief of the landing expressed, replied that there 
need be no farther doubt of the Governor's intentions, for he 
had heard him that morning declare, that the tea should be 
landed, even if it was to be sprinkled with blood. Mr. 
Lamb, who was present, asked if such were really the Gov- 
ernor's declarations; and upon the officer again making the 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 79 

assertion, and vouching for the fulfilment of the threat — 
Then, sir, was the rejoinder of Lamb, tell him from me, that 
the tea shall not be landed; and if force is attempted to effect 
it, his blood will be the first shed in the contest; the people 
of the city are firmly resolved on that head.* 

On the 16th December, the Sons of Liberty were con- 
vened at the City Hall; and on the next day, the notice in- 
viting all the friends of liberty and property to join them; 
a very large concourse of people accordingly assembled, and 
were addressed by Mr. Lamb.f He stated the object of the 
call, explained the views and intentions of the government, 
the glorious resistance already begun in Boston, and read 
letters from the patriots at that place and of Philadelphia; 
which indicated the attitude which they were resolved to 
assume and maintain; and called upon every true lover of 
liberty to emulate their devotion. A Conunittee of Fifteen, 
of which he was one, were chosen to reply to these letters; 
and resolves were proposed, pledging the support of New 
York to their brethren abroad, and expressive of a firm de- 
termination to resist to the uttermost. 

At this meeting, the public were notified, that the East 
India Company, not having been able to induce the colonial 
shipmasters to take on board the tea, had chartered other 
vessels: that part of them had arrived, and the one destined 
for New York, might be hourly expected. Resolves, de- 
nouncing as enemies of the country, all who should give 
countenance to the introduction of the repudiated commodity, 
were unanimously adopted.| The Mayor, and the Recorder, 
had by this time joined the meeting. They brought assu- 
rances from Gov. Tryon, that when the tea arrived, it should 
be publicly brought into the Fort, and kept there, until the 
Council should give advice, or that the King, or the proprie- 
tors gave orders for its issue; and then, it should be sent out, 

* Family tradition. 

t Handbills Historical Society Library. 

I Handbills Historical Society. 



80 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

as publicly as it was received. This artifice was not suc- 
cessful. 

Mr. Lamb pointed out to the meeting the danger of com- 
pliance with the Governor's scheme^ he read the act of Par- 
liament, which prescribed the payment of the duties, on be- 
ing landed, and reminded the people, that the landing in any 
shape, would be an infraction of their resolves, and pregnant 
of danger in every respect. He then put the question, " shall 
the tea be landed ?" and there was an emphatic and unani- 
mous response of No ! three times repeated. The meeting 
then adjourned until the expected vessel should make her ap- 
pearance. The day before this meeting, the people of Bos- 
ton, by the destruction of the tea in their harbor, had consum- 
mated their pledge of resistance, and given full assurance to 
England, and the World, of their futmre intentions. 

The news of the second rehearsal of the great drama of the 
Revolution, was received by the patriots of New York with 
stern delight, and all who had the sagacity to foresee, and 
courage to breast the inevitable storm, prepared to meet it 
with determined resolution. Gov. Tryon, being ordered 
home for a conference with the Ministry, in regard to the 
disputes of the New York patentees, with the claimants under 
the New Hampshire grants, and determining to sail for Eng- 
land, prorogued the Assembly until the 17th May, 1774. 

A short time after the grand destruction at Boston, a small 
quantity of tea was discovered at the eastward,* and disposed 
of in the same manner, by the resolute band who had de- 
stroyed the first shipments. This transaction is alluded to in 
the following letter : 

* Perhaps part of that alluded to in the following notice : 
A number of the Mohawks at Cape Cod, will take care of any tea that 
may escape the wreck of Capt. Loring's vessel. 
The making Boston Harbor into tea, 
And those who made, and those who helped to make it: 
The toasts of all Americans will be, 
Nor one true Briton, will refuse to take it. 
— Handbills N. Y. His. Soc. Library. 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 81 

Boston, 28th March, 1774. 
" You have no doubt heard the particulars, relating to the 
last twenty-eight chests of tea^ it was disposed of in the 
same manner, as I informed you of the other, and should five 
hundred more arrive, it will go in the same way. Yesterday, 
a vessel arrived here from Antigua, the Captain says your 
tea vessel was to sail three days after him, so by the next 
post, I expect to hear a good account of it. 

Your humble servant, 

Paul Revere.* 
Mr. John Lamb.I 

The ship Nancy, Capt. Lockyier, on board of which, the 
tea for New York was laden, had long been expected; and no 
intelligence being received from her, it was conjectured that 
she had met the fate of one of the four ordered to Boston, 
which had suffered shipwreck on the coast; but by an arrival 
from Antigua, it was ascertained that she had been blown off 
the coast, and compelled to bear away for that place. The 
masters of the American vessels there, had communicated to 
the Captain, the newspapers containing the proceedings of 
the Colonists, indicative of the fate w^hich awaited him on 
his arrival; to which he wisely resolved to yield without a 
struggle, and to make no farther stay, than to afford sufficient 
time to enter protest, that he might discharge his duty to his 
owners. On the 7th April, Gov. Tryon embarked for Eng- 
land, devolving the Government upon Lieut. Gov. Colden. 

It seemed as if the elements had espoused the cause of the 
Colonies, and declared war against the doomed tea vessel; 
for on her passage from Antigua, she again encountered a 

* Lamb papers, N. Y. His. Soc. 

t This supplemental destruction, is not mentioned in any history which 
has come under the writer's observation ; and it is not even noted in the 
published transactions of the Massachusetts Historical Society. Yet there 
can be no doubt that the event took place, as the writer of the letter, was 
one of the most reliable of the eastern patriots, and undoubtedly concerned 
in the original transaction of 16th December. He was in 1774 and 5, the 
confidential messenger from the Committee of Boston to the General Con- 
gress, and to the Committee of New York, and subsequently a Lieut. 
Colonel of the Massachusetts troops. 

11 



82 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

severe gale, which carried away her mizzen mast, and 
delayed her arrival. At length, on the 18th April, the 
Nancy, Capt. Lockyier, made her appearance.* The Com- 
mittee of Vigilance had given instructions to the pilots 
to detain this vessel at the Hook; and having information 
from their correspondents at Philadelphia, that a Captain 
Chambers of the ship London, who had refused to receive 
any tea on a former voyage, and had been specially thanked 
for his patriotism by the citizens, had now on board eighteen 
chests of the contraband commodity; they gave similar in- 
structions to detain that vessel also, in case of her arrival. 
On the arrival of the Nancy, a part of the Committee pro- 
ceeded on board; and the captain being desirous of procuring 
the necessary supplies to enable him to refit his vessel, beg- 
ged permission to come up to town for that purpose. This 
request was acceded to, and on his arrival at the wharf next 
day, he was met by the Committee and a large concourse of 
citizens. 

The Committee gave strict orders that he should not ap- 
proach the Custom House. They escorted him to the con- 
signee of the vessel, who declined to have any thing to do 
with the cargo, and advised the captain to return with all 
dilligence. Every facility was granted in furnishing the 
supplies, and preparing the ship for sea: but the men were 
prevented from landing by their watchful conservators. The 
citizens were notified that they would be called to witness 
the departure of Captain Lockyier, at the appointed time; 
and were required to be in readiness to attend. The next 
day, the 20th, another vessel arrived, and the Committee 
being anxious to test the accuracy of the information received 
from Philadelphia, interrogated the coimnander, Capt. Law- 
rence, who gave the most unequivocal corroboration.! Two 
days after, the London, Captain Chambers, made her appear- 
ance.J The pilot, on boarding him, asked if he had any tea 

* Gaines's paper. t Ibid. J Ibid. 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. - 8 a 

on board, which he strongly denied: she was brought into 
the Hook, and visited by two of the Committee. Chambers 
persisted in his denial; and they claimed a sight of his 
cockets and of his manifest; and in neither did they find 
evidence of the prohibited lading. The vessel was ordered 
to town, still under the charge of the Committee. The de- 
claration had been so positive against the Captain, that the 
whole Committee proceeded to the ship, and reiterated the 
demand for the suspected article. He still persisted in his 
denial; but upon an order being given that the hatches 
should be opened; and being informed that every package 
would be overhauled, he confessed that he had eighteen 
chests on board: not of the East India Company's, but ship- 
ped on his own account. 

The obnoxious lading was declared confiscated in due form; 
the people were made acquainted with the fact; and the Mo- 
hawks were ordered to be ready at the appointed hour. But 
the populace were impatient of delay; and crowding on 
board the vessel, resolved, themselves, to execute judgment. 
The Committee then stationed a proper guard below, to pre- 
vent waste; and when the oifending packages were dis- 
covered, they were hoisted on deck, and emptied into the 
slip. The captain had wisely determined not to witness the 
destruction of his tea: and fortunately for him, was no where 
to be found. These ceremonies were finished by 11 o'clock 
in the evening :t and being enjoined to appear next day at 
the ringing of the bells, the citizens dispersed. At eight, 
the next day, the 23d, the promised notice was given; and 
an immense concourse assembled at, and about the Coffee 
House. The band was ordered to play God save the King; 
and Captain Lockyier was brought out under an escort of 
the Committee. The people now called out loudly for Cap- 
tain Chambers, that he might be sent away in the Nancy, but 
he was not forthcoming for the occasion.| Captain Lock- 

* Gaines's paper. t Ibid. t Ibid, § Ibid. 



84 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

yier was placed on board a pilot boat, still under escort, who 
carried him on board his ship,* and saw him fairly • under 
weigh and standing out to sea. During these proceedings, 
the ships in the harbor displayed their colors, and the flag 
was hoisted at the Liberty Pole under a royal salute of 
artillery. 

For some days the people were anxious to discover what 
had become of Capt. Chambers, and a vigilant search was 
made for him: but it was satisfactorily ascertained, that he 
had taken passage to England with Captain Lockyier; and 
their solicitude declined. 

It is traditional in the family of Mr. Lamb, that in these 
proceedings, and in those of an earlier date, of similar cha- 
racter, he bore a conspicuous part: and as he was not a man 
to give counsel to others, that he was not himself prepared 
to act upon; there can be but little doubt, that he was fore- 
most in the execution of this act of political expediency, and 
summaiy justice. An etching on copper, describing the 
event, done by him and published at the time, is alluded to 
in a letter of the Committee of Philadelphia: a copy of which 
was long preserved in the family, but it can not now be 
found. 

The Bostonians had, on the 13th May, in town meeting, 
passed resolves of non-importation from the Mother Country: 
and to render this measure more efficient, to discontinue 
trade to the West India Colonies of every nation. This took 
place on the day of the arrival of Governor Gage; and was 
announced to the Spartan Band in New York, by the follow- 
ing letter from a talented and active member of the Com- 
mittee of Boston: 

Boston, May 13, 1774. 
Dear Sir: At length, the perfect crisis of American poli- 
tics seems arrived; and a very few months must decide, 
whether we and our posterity shall be slaves or freemen. 
Calamitous as it seems, I do not regret that my lot is cast in 
this barrier of the suffering States. Our great man is this 

* Gaines's paper. 



1 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. > 85 

day landed at Castle William, where he is now in company 
with the celebrated Mr. Hutchinson, from whom, undoubt- 
edly, he is taking his cue of government. The General's 
orders are said to be very large ; and some give out that very 
bitter things are in contemplation against us; the execution 
or dispensation of which, will altogether depend on the 
part the other Colonies will take in the contest. Lord 
North endeavors to still the rising rage of his countrymen, 
by assuring them that no other Province will in the least, 
countenance the rebellious Bostonians; and in such case, he 
determines to make them sorely repent their refractory con- 
duct towards government. 

We have had a very large and respectable meeting this 
day, at which were present the principal persons of all de- 
nominations; and many who have hitherto seemed very cool 
in the common cause, distinguished themselves in their zeal 
for its support. The infamous Act was read, and descanted 
'upon, with a freedom and energy becoming the orators of 
ancient Rome; and no one hesitated to declare it, in every 
principle, repugnant to law, religion and common sense. 

We have raised a very respectable committee to go to Sa- 
lem and Marblehead, to settle matters with our brethren 
there, with whom, however, we are well persuaded there 
can be no possible difficulty. The sugar plums of the Mi- 
nister will have very little effect on a people, who so tho- 
roughly comprehend his designs. I presume New York will 
fall behind none of her sister Colonies, in the alacrity and 
extent of her operations. The question has been largely 
discussed here, whether the trade to the West Indies had 
better be discontinued or not; and it passed unanimously in 
the affirmative, for this reason. It was not only the British 
Islands which would be drove to clamor, but the French, 
Danes and Dutch, whose several Courts would immediately 
be influenced to remonstrate; and in case of being denied sat- 
isfaction, would address those passions of the Minister, which 
they never found untractable to their applications. 

Another reason for recommending this voluntary sacrifice to 
the whole continent is to keep the whole people as much on 
a level as may be; that avaricious and inconsiderate individu- 
als may not be tempted to be posting from one place to ano- 
ther, to the disturbance and discouragement of those honest 
men, who have resolved to stand their ground, and bear their 
part in relieving the distresses of the poor, and yielding their 
aid on all occasions to the suffering community. 



86 LIFE OF JOHN L.UIB. 

The people of Great Britain, by this means, will soon be 
convinced of the good sense and firm resolution of the Colo- 
nies, and perceive the vanity of contending with a country 
whose very inaction must ruin them. There is a talk of 
quartering three regiments in town, of removing the seat of 
government to Salem, and putting the Province under mili- 
tary government. These mad projects will undoubtedly be 
essayed, if presumed at any rate practicable. You may just- 
ly consider this the last experiment of a detested usurpation; 
which, defeated by the united wisdom and virtue of the 
Colonists, will establish our rights, privileges and immuni- 
ties, and give us importance in the other three quarters of 
the globe. 

My worthy friend. Revere, again revisits you. No man 
of his rank and opportunities in life, deserves better of the 
community. Steady, vigorous, sensible and persevering. I 
have wondered we had no farther account of the Post Office 
Scheme* from you. Perhaps the breach of trust in Stimpson's 
Post Rider, has backened the afl'air. I should really be 
sorry it should fall through on that account. We would not 
be under the least difficulty in this Colony, as there would be 
no change in the persons employed. Give my most cordial 
respects to Messrs. Holt, Hughes,! and Mott, and believe me 
to be Sir, Your friend and brother in the 

Cause of American Liberty, 
Mr. John Lamb. Thos. Young.J 

The citizens of Philadelphia, enraged at the manner in 
which their distinguished townsman, Doct. Franklin, had 
been abused by Wedderburne, the Solicitor-General, upon his 
examination before the Council, hung and burnt him in ef- 

* The Post Office Scheme, alluded to in the above letter, was an at- 
tempt of William Goddard, publisher of the Maryland Journal, of Balti- 
more, to effect an independent mail establishment. He held some cor- 
respondence with Mr. Lamb upon the subject; and in consequence came 
to New York, and after securing the co-operation of Mr. Lamb and his 
coadjutors, and bearing letters from them, he went to the Eastward, 
where all of the principal towns met his project with favor. 

This plan was so far matured that it went into partial operation, and 
on the 11th May, 1775, John Holt, the publisher of the New York Jour- 
nal, acted £is Post-Master for the city. 

t Appendix A. t Lamb papers, N. Y. His. Soc. 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 87 

figy.* And a short time afterwards, their compatriots of 
New York, imitated their example; but they joined with him 
Lord North, the Minister, and Gov. Hutchinson, of Massa- 
chusetts, whom they considered equally worthy of reproba- 
bation. This outbreak was not approved by the Committee 
of Fifty, which was, a few days afterwards, chosen by the 
citizens. 

On the 14th May, ]774, a letter f had been written by 
the Committee of Vigilance to their compatriots of Boston, 
recommending to them the most vigorous measures, as the 
most effectual; and giving assurance that the attitude as- 
sumed by the Bostonians would be heartily sustained by their 
brethren in New York. The boldness of these pledges, and 
the recent display of the energy of the people, alarmed the 
Government party, and some of the more timid of the patriots; 
and a scheme was formed to trammel the people in such a 
manner as to restrain them in future emergencies. 

On the 16th, a meeting of the citizens was called, in order 
to nominate a new Committee. It was proposed that it 
should consist of twenty-five members, but the majority de- 
termined to extend it to fifty. On this list were a great num- 
ber of the royalists; and when submitted to the people, Fran- 
cis Lewis, one of their party was added to it, and the whole 
approved by the majority. From this nomination Mr. Lamb 
was excluded, together with some other important leaders of 
the popular party; the cause of this exclusion may be found 
in the following extract of a letter from Governeur Morris to 
Mr. Penn, dated 20th May, 1774 ;| which will also illustrate 
the character and designs of the Committee, as well as those of 
the parties excluded. 

" In short, there is no ruling them; and now to leave the 
metaphor, the heads of the mobility grow dangerous to the 
gentry ; and how to keep them down is the question. 

While they correspond with the other colonies; call and 

* Handbills New York Historical Society, 
t Lamb papers. J American Archives. 



88 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

dismiss popular assemblies; make resolves to bind the con- 
sciences of the rest of mankind; bully poor printers, and 
exert with full force all their other tribunitial powers; it is 
impossible to curb them. 

But art sometimes goes farther than force, and therefore 
to trick them handsomely, a Committee of Patricians was 
to be nominated, and into their hands, was to be committed 
the majority of the people, and the highest trust was to be 
reposed in them by a mandate that they should take care 
quod republica non capiat injuriam. The Tribunes, through 
the want of good legerdemain in the senatorial order, per- 
ceived the finesse; and yesterday, I was present at a grand 
division of the city; and there I beheld my fellow citizens 
very accurately counting their chickens, not only before they 
were hatched, but before one half of the eggs were laid.* In 
short they fairly contended about the future forms of our 
government; whether it should be founded upon aristocratic 
or democratic principles." 

By great exertions on the part of the loyalists, this Com- 
mittee was elected, on the 23d, and immediately assumed 
their functions, by claiming exclusive authority. The first 
act was to declare, on the 26th, that the letter of the 14th, to 
the Bostonians, had not emanated from them, and to caution 
the people abroad and at home, that it was not to be deemed 
official. At the first meeting of the Committee of Fifty-One, 
the messenger from Boston to Philadelphia, Paul Revere, 
made his appearance, and delivered the official proceedings 
of the Boston town meeting, of the 13th May, urging con- 
currence on the part of New York. The Committee took the 
matter into consideration, as of very serious import, declined 
concurrence with the Boston resolves, and recommended a 
Congress of Delegates. The people of Baltimore, Philadel- 
phia, and New Jersey, acceded to the arrangement of the 

• Mr. Morris must have been soon afterwards convinced, that the eggs, 
which he supposed yet forthcoming, were at that moment in a forward 
state of incubation. 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. b9 

Bostonians, and also recommended a Congress, to assemble 
on the first of September, leaving New York, to stand alone 
in refusal to adopt stringent measures against the parent go- 
vernment. The election of the Committee, was considered 
a great point gained by the loyalists, and Lieut. Gov. Colden, 
expressed his conviction that the popular party was effectu- 
ally routed. Rivington, the Royal Printer, wrote in great 
triumph to Henry Knox,* a bookseller in Boston, that the 
city was redeemed, and the party of the Crown, lords of the 
ascendant. The following letter from Doctor Young,f will 
exhibit the high hopes of the government, that the opera- 
tions of the Fifty-One, would cut off New York, from the 
great bond of association. 

Boston, 19th June, 1774. 
My worthy correspondent : 

Longing to learn how my bretheren fared, and to take their 
pledge, was I, when Mr. Edes handed me your most welcome 
favor of the 13th current. It was read in a very important, 
and agreeable company, consisting of Adams, Cushing, Quin- 
cy, VVarren, and others, collected at the house of the latter, 
on their return from Salem. Our rejoicing was full, from an 
interchange of interesting advices from all quarters. Your 
intelligence was, however, esteemed as encouraging, as any 
we had from any part of the continent. Those worthy mem- 
bers of society, the tradesmen, we depend on, under God, to 
form the revolution of the other ranks of citizens, in Phila- 
delphia and New York. They are certainly carrying all be- 
fore them here. The yeomanry of our country towns are 
another effectual support. A covenant is handing about 
among them, and signing by thousands, not to purchase any 
British manufactures, imported from that Island, after the 3 1st 
of August next. This will insure a non-importation in this 
province, whether messieurs les marchands, will be gra- 
ciously pleased to come into it or not; however, there seems no 
disposition at all, in the body of the trade here, to counteract 
the minds of their fellow countrymen. 

* Afterwards, Gen. Knox, Com m'r American Arlillery, and first Sec'y 
of War, under the new constitution. 

t An extract from this letter is printed in the first vol. American Ar- 
chives, 429, 430. . 

12 



90 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

The past, has been an important week with us. The tools 
of power, suspecting that things were not going to their 
mind, in the general court, endeavored to influence the city 
to come into some measures for the payment of the tea. 
They had cabal after cabal, and conceited that they had ex- 
tended their influence so far, that in a meeting of the trades- 
men, held last Wednesday, one of the most plausible of them 
ventured to recommend it to their consideration. Some smart 
things were said, pro and con, on the subject; but it clearly 
appeared the general sense, to submit to all extremities, be- 
fore a shadow of concession was extorted from them; much 
less, proposed by them : to crown this agreeable prospect, on 
Friday came on the adjournment of the town meeting; at 
which the citizens attended in such numbers as filled the hall, 
inasmuch that many were forced to retire for want of room. 
Early in the meeting it was observed, that there had been 
much talk out of doors, as well as writing in the papers, con- 
cerning payment for the tea. It was there requested, that 
in case any gentleman had any thing to oflfer on the subject, 
he would speak freely; that a matter of so much importance, 
might be fairly discussed in the presence of the body of the 
people. But in vain were the iEschine called upon to ex- 
pose propositions, fit only to be whispered in the conclave of 
our addressees, composed of a few men, who deserve better 
company, than the fry of Scotch pedlers, Sandemanians, and 
importers, to which they have unluckily joined themselves. 
Thus, administration, notwithstanding the terror of the fleets 
and armies already invading us, and hourly expected, have 
the mortification to find, that in neither the General Assem- 
bly of the Province, nor in the grand meeting of the Capitol, 
was a single symptom of inclination, to comply with their 
demands, tho' enforced by a distressing blockade. 

I was yesterday informed that our Attorney-General, who 
is also Judge of Admiralty for Nova Scotia, and a grand in- 
strument of the British Administration, was a few days back, 
at Salem, flattering the members, on whom he hoped to make 
any impression, to make even the least concession, respect- 
ing the payment for the tea. And it is said, the tories 
are now taking up a private subscription for that purpose. 
If they choose to do so silly a thing, we can not help it; but 
it will certainly be but a poor triumph for Ihe Minister, if he 
may even be enabled to pretend, that a few of his own tools 
have lent their names to cover his defeat. 

I am certainly informed, the soldiers desert in great num- 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 91 

bers. Eighty have left the regiment at the Castle, and a 
schooner sent up into one of our rivers, has lost all her hands. 
Two soldiers went off from these new comers, and the officers 
are in a peck of troubles, how to proceed with them. They 
say, should they send privates after them, it would be send- 
ing the hatchet after the helve; and did they go themselves, 
they expect nothing but a rescue, should they come up with 
them. 

Make my kind compliments to Messrs. Hughes, Mott, 
Sears, McDougall, Roman, and all the true Sons of Liberty 
with you. Mr. Rivington may be enquired of, whether he 
did not lately write a letter to a gentleman in this town, con- 
taining a paragraph of this import, " You may rest assured, 
no non im: nor non-exportation, will be agreed upon, either 
here or at Philadelphia. The power over our crowd, is no 
longer in the hands of Sears, Lamb, and such miimportant 
persons, who have for six years past, been the demagogues of 
a very turbulent faction in this city; but their power, and 
mischievous capacity, expired instantly upon the election of 
the Committee of Fifty-One; in which there is a majority of 
inflexibly honest, loyal, and prudent citizens." 
I am with much esteem. 

Your friend and fellow sufferer, 

Thos. Young. 
Mr. John Lamb.* 

As evidence of the prudence of many, who at the time, in- 
tended to hold on to the popular party, but who were un- 
willing to " define their position," the following letter is ad- 
duced:* 

Boston, 7th July, 1774. 
Kind Sir : 

I have enclosed you a letter and pamphlet for Mr. Hughes, 
which I take it, will however, in some measure, be common 
property among you. The letter is left open for your perusal. 

The paragraph taken from Rivington's letter, was done 
literatim by my own hand, and you may aver it to be genuine, 
if you please. Mr, J. Quincy also saw the letter, by Mr, 
Knox's permission, and can doubtless quote it from memory. 
If Rivington is charged, he will hardly deny it. I do not 
believe he laid Mr. Knox under any obligation of secrecy; 
however, as I had it not by direct leave from Mr. Knox, (be- 

*Lainb papers, His. Soc. 



92 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

ing indeed, affraid to apply for an extract, and be refused), I 
would not wish to be drawn into question. 

Treasonable letters, you know, are ticklish things, Mr. 
Quincy is absent on the circuit, and probably a suppression 
of the affair 'till he returns, and we can consult a further 
step, might be advantageous. 

Freely and frequently write. 

Your devoted serv't, 

Thos. Young. 
Mr. John Lamb. 

The Committee of the Sons of Liberty were constantly on 
the watch, to detect infractions of the Massachusetts resolves, 
and the Chairman of a Committee of Merchants, directed an 
address to the Fifty-One, to know " whether those persons 
who style themselves a Committee, and have called upon se- 
veral of our citizens to inquire into their private business, 
were authorized by you, and whether you approve of their 
conduct in doing so ?*'* Of course the Fift}'-One replied in 
the negative, and denounced the Committee of Vigilance. 
They, on the other hand, had become satisfied of the inten- 
tions of the Fifty-One, to paralize the energies of the people, 
and they resolved to frustrate their designs. A meeting was 
called by handbills, and agreably to notice, a very large 
number, on the 19th June, convened in the fields.f The 
citizens were notified of the refusal of the Committee of 
Fifty-One to accede to the general union, and invited to 
some speedy action, to further the general good. The cruel 
situation of their brethren in Boston was placed before them, 
and they were exhorted to express a determination to imi- 
tate their devotion, and to sustain them in all emergencies. 
Resolves were passed to that effect, and also, that delegates 
be appointed to the proposed Congress, instructed to accede 
to a rigorous non-intercourse, in accordance with the Boston 
resolutions. The proceedings of this meeting were despatched 
to Boston. 

* Holt's paper , 

t Lamb papers, and Handbills His. Soc. 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 93 

The Committee of Fifty-one, now clearly manifested the 
purpose for which they were chosen. On the 7th July they 
denounced the meeting in the fields as unauthorized; and in 
violation of their exclusive right to call convocations of the 
people. They reprobated the proceedings of the meeting, 
as tending to cast odium upon them, and bring their authority 
into contempt. These denunciations were read next day in 
the Committee, of which thirty were assembled; twenty-one 
of whom agreed to adopt them, and nine dissenting: eight 
publicly withdrew their names from the Committee. These 
were Francis Lewis, Joseph Hallet, Alexander McDougall, 
Peter V. B. Livingston, Isaac Sears, Thomas Randall, Abm. 
P. Lott, and Leonard Lispenard,f and the day after, three 
patriotic members, John Broome, Abraham Brasher, and 
Jacob Van Zandt, who had not been present at the debates, 
but who disapproved of the proceedings of the majority, also 
requested that their names might be struck from the list of 
the Committee. 

The Fifty-One now called a meeting. They had become 
alarmed at the apparent power of the minority-; and they 
presented a very prudent manifesto,! and adopted resolves, 
evidently leaning against conformity to the non-intercourse 
association: and anew, proposed delegates to the Congress, 
to deliberate on the subject.J The tameness of the resolves 
of the Committee, did not suit the temper of the Sons of 
Liberty; and Mr. Lamb published a handbill, pointing out 
their deficiencies, and proposing amendments :§ deprecating 
every thing like concession on the part of the people, to the 
great stretch of regal authority already exhibited; and any 
admission, that the proceedings of the Ministry were founded 
in justice. This communication embodied the sentiments of 
a large part of the meeting; and they urged strenuously that 
the delegates to the Congress should be required to pledge 
themselves to sustain the Boston resolutions. 

* Lamb papers and handbills, His. Soc. 
t Idem. I Idem. § Idem. 



94 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

At the meeting of the Committee, the popular party pro- 
posed to make a nomination of Delegates, and to refer it to 
the Committee of Mechanics for their approval. On the 
other hand, it was proposed to make the nomination* and 
submit it to the Freeholders and Freemen for concurrence. 
The last resolve prevailed; and Philip Livingston, John 
Alsop, Isaac Low, John Jay and James Duane, were no- 
minated. 

A Committee from the Mechanics, consisting of Abraham 
Brasher, Theophilus Anthony, Francis Van Dyck, Jeremiah 
Piatt, and Christopher Duykink, addressed a card to the 
nominees, requesting to know whether they would support 
the Massachusetts resolves in the approaching Congress. To 
this requisition, they answered, that such a course would be 
in accordance with their individual opinions; but that the 
declaration was not made, with the view of securing the 
popular suffrage, but to express their sentiments upon a ques- 
tion of such importance. 

The Committee reported the response to their constituents 
which was entirely satisfactory, and on the 27th July the 
Delegates were chosen by the unanimous voice of the city. 

As the precursors of coming events, on the 8th September, 
rumors had reached Connecticut of the bombardment of Bos- 
ton, and the massacre of the inhabitants. The magistrates 
of New Haven, transmitted the intelligence to New York, 
and much ferment existed during the prevalence of the re- 
port. While this alarm was at the utmost, thousands from 
the vicinity of Boston, crowded into the town, resolved to 
avenge their countrymen. And they would not believe the 
report groundless, until they had actually visited the place,t 
and had the evidence of their own senses. This sudden ris- 
ing of the people, and the resolution which they exhibited, 
might have admonished the government party, of their future 
determination. 

* American Archives. Papers of the day. t Idem. 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 95 

The Congress, on assembling, passed resolves for an asso- 
ciation for non-importation, and on the 17th November a 
committee of sixty was chosen, to superintend the execution 
of the articles; they were to hold their seats until the first of 
July ensuing. This committee held a conference wilh that 
of the Mechanics, who entered heartily into the measures re- 
commended. 

While these proceedings were in train, the patriotic party 
in the city were thrown into a violent commotion, by the 
seizure of ten cases and three boxes of arms, and a barrel of 
gunpowder, by the orders of the Collector.* As these mu- 
nitions were on their way to the Custom House, on the 27th 
December, a small party rallied and took the powder into 
custody, but before they could secrete it, the King's officials, 
being reinforced, retook it, and deposited it in the powder- 
house; and the Collector, for their greater security, sent the 
arms on board a man of war, lying in the harbor. 

On the same day, a letter to the Collector was thrown into 
the post-office, claiming that the arms were legally im- 
ported, and adding, " from you we shall demand these arms, 
w^henever they are wanted, which, is probable will be soon;" 
continuing, 

" Do not slight this admonition, or treat it as a vain 
menace, for we have most solemnly sworn to effect it 
sooner or later; and you know our nation is implacable. We 
would not have you to imagine that it is in the power of 
any set of men, either civil or military, to protect or shield 
you from our just revenge, which will be soon done, and in 
such a manner as not to be known 'til it is fatally experi- 
enced by you." From the 

Mohawks and River Indians. 

* These arms were imported in the ship Lady Gage, Tho^s. Mesnard, 
Comm'r, and were consigned to Walter Franklin. They were said to 
have been in Franklin's warehouse for several days ; and were seized for 
the want of cockets. 



96 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

The Collector disregarded this threat, and posted a copy 
of this letter at the Coffee House, where it was denounced; 
and the leading merchants justified the King's officer. That 
night, a printed handbill was thrown into almost every house 
in town. It was an exciting appeal to the patriots, urging 
them to resist an act so alarming. " What !" agks the writer, 
"What is become of your former magnanimity and spirit; 
ye who dared to degrade the Governor of the Province, and 
exhibit his effigy, under the very muzzles of his cannon? 
Are ye dwindled into such dastards and poltroons, as to suf- 
fer yourselves to be insulted, and robbed of your arms, by a 
few petty custom house officers, with impunity ? Methinks I 
hear you say, it can not, it must not be done. * * * * 
In the name of heaven, throw off your supineness; assemble 
together immediately; and go in a body to the Collector; in- 
sist upon the arms being relanded, and that he must see 
them forthcoming, or abide the consequences. Delays are 
dangerous; there is no time to be lost. It is not a season to 
be mealy mouthed, or to mince matters; the times are pre- 
carious and perilous, and we do not know but that the arms 
may be wanted to-morrow." ***** 

Plain English.* 

From the known boldness and activity of Mr. Lamb, and 
from the recollections of the oldest member of the family, as 
well as from the intrinsic evidence in the style and manner 
of these productions, we have the best reason to believe, that 
the letter to the Collector, and the handbill also, were writ- 
ten by him. 

After the treachery of the printer of Parker's paper, in 
1769, which occasioned the arrest and imprisonment of Mc- 
Dougall, the patriots, when their inflammatory appeals had 
been put in type by Holt or* some other of the fraternity, 
used, themselves, to work off at the press, these publications, 
and circulate them among the community. And it was not 
unusual for Mr. Lamb, after having devoted the day in the 

* American Archives. 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 97 

composition of such papers, to spend the night in printing 
and distributing them. The same is averred of Marinus 
Willett, in the book of his son. 

News had reached the Committee of the Sons of Liberty, 
that the Governor of Connecticut in secret council with the 
Assembly, had directed the provision of three hundred bar- 
rels of gunpowder and lead in proportion; and also the 
gathering of a park of forty pieces of cannon for the use of 
the colony. It was known that their militia was in constant 
drill, under the orders of a non-commissioned officer, a de- 
serter from the troops at Boston; and the aspect of the times 
eastward, indicated a belligerent resolution. The Assembly 
of New York, however, by a srr.all majority, were determined 
to adhere to the government.^ Motions were made on the 
26th January 1775, by the patriotic members, to take up the 
proceedings of the Congress at Philadelphia with a view to 
their approval; but the majority overruled them. This was 
deemed an important ministerial triumph, and the Lieut.-Gov. 
Golden, when it was announced to him exclaimed, " Lord 
now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace." Still the Com- 
mittee of Sixty, aided by the indomitable Sons of Liberty, 
were resolved to carry out the resolves of the Congress. 

On the 16th February, a ship, the James of Glasgow, 
arrived, and the consignees endeavored to land the cargo in 
contravention of the articles of association, but they were 
prevented. An attempt was then made to procure a posse, 
to enable them to effect their object; but the patriotic party 
prevailed, and the ship was ordered back. A lieutenant of 
the King Fisher, a king's vessel, prevented her from sailing. 
The people assembled in large numbers, and waited upon the 
captain of that vessel (who was on shore), who disavowed 
the act of his subordinate, and the Committee, resolved upon 
her departure, directed some of their numbers to see her safe 
at sea. 

♦American Archives. t Assembly Journals. 

t Holt's paper. 

13 



98 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

The patriotic party, on the 17th February, again made an 
attempt in the Assembly to procure a sanction to the pro- 
ceedings of the Congress, by moving a vote of thanks to the 
members of that body; which was defeated by the majority. 
Another motion from the same side, of the 23d, directing 
the election of delegates to the new Congress, to assemble 
the tenth of May ensuing, shared the same fate; and the 
Assembly, previous to the adjournment, appointed a Commit- 
tee, chiefly composed of members of the majority; of which 
the Speaker, John Cruger, was the head; as a committee of 
deliberation and enquiry; and after an address, which the 
patriotic members vainly endeavored to defeat by proposing 
amendments to render it less subservient to the Crown, the 
House adjourned. 

The crisis was rapidly approaching: the people of Massa- 
chusetts were gathering implements and munitions of war. 
Some pieces of brass artillery had been deposited at Salem; 
and apprehensive that they might be converted to the use of 
the patriots, Governor Gage despatched Lieut-Colonel Leslie, 
26th February, by water to Marblehead, to secure and bring 
them off. In order to conceal this movement from the 
citizens, the utmost secresy was observed; and some indi- 
viduals who had occasion to visit the castle, were detained 
there until the sailing of the expedition.* The troops landed 
and marched to Salem,t but the pieces had been removed. 
Ascertaining that divers trucks had left the. town early in the 
morning, the troops were put in motion, and the day being 
Sunday, the track was easily followed, until the pursuers 
reached an arm of the sea, over which a drawbidge had been 
constructed; and which was raised to obstruct their farther 
progress.! This draw. Col. Leslie ordered to be lowered, 
but the citizens refused to comply; alleging that the road 
being a private one, they had a right to obstruct the passage. 
The colonel then commanded a boat to be launched, in order 
to pass his forces to the opposite shore. The people sprang 

* Lamb papers. t Almon's Remembrancer. tWem. 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMR 99 

forward with axes, and soon rendered the boat unserviceable. 
The officer, thus frustrated, threatened violence to the people; 
and blood would probably have been shed, had not a clergy- 
man present, prevailed upon the people to lower the draw. 
The delay however, was sufficient: the patriots who had 
carried off the cannon, made good their retreat, and the ex- 
pedition of the Governor was frustrated.* The following let- 
ter, to Mr. Lamb, communicated the result of the enterprise 
to the Sons of Liberty in New York: 

Boston, March 1, 1775. 
Sir: Agreeable to what Mr. Revere wrote you by last 
Monday's post, we, the subscribers, have this day met, and 
determined to send you, weekly, the earliest and most au- 
thentic intelligence of what may be transacted in this me- 
tropolis and province, relating to the public affairs and ge- 
neral concerns of America; that you may have it in your 
power to contradict the many infamous lies, which are pro- 
pagated by the enemies of our country. And we beg it as a 
particular favor, that you would appoint or agree with a 
number of gentlemen for the above purpose in your city; 
that we may have early information from you of whatever 
transpires in your city and province, of a public nature. At 
this critical period, we conceive it to be very important to 
the common cause, to have weekly or frequent communi- 
cations. 

We are, sir, your most obedient and most humble serv'ts. 

Joshua Brackett, 
Paul Revere, 
Benj. Edes, 
Joseph Ward, 
Tho: Crafts, Junr. 
Thomas Chase. 
Mr. John Lamb.! 

P. S. — Inclosed you have an account of the late expedi- 
tion, which terminated to the honor of the Americans. In 
addition to the secrecy with which the manoeuvre to Salem 
was conducted, we inform you that three persons were 
occasonally at the Castle on Saturday afternoon, and were 

* Almon's Remembrancer. 

t Lamb papers, N. Y. His. Soc. 



100 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

detained there till ten o'clock on Monday, lest we should 
send an express to our brethren of Marblehead and Salem. 
Be pleased to direct your letters to Mr. Joshua Brackett, 
in Boston, innholder.* 

The Committee of Sixty, although many of it members 
were of the majority in the Assembly adverse to the ap- 
pointment of delegates to the new Congress, resolved to re- 
commend that measure to the people. Accordingly, a noti- 
fication was published, calling a meeting of the freeholders 
and freemen of the city, at the Exchange, on the 6th March, 
in order to take into consideration the election of delegates 
to a convention of representatives, from such of the counties 
as should adopt the measure, for the purpose of choosing 
proper persons to represent the Colony in the general Con- 
gress. This proceeding was opposed by the loyalists, on 
the ground that the representatives of the people in the As- 
sembly had rejected a motion to that effect. The adverse par- 
ty, however, resolved to carry out the recommendation of the 
Committee, and on the day appointed, assembled at the Liber- 
ty Pole, under a banner inscribed " Constitutional Liberty," 
and marched in procession to the Exchange. Not long after 
they had arrived, the other party appeared, headed by some of 
the members of His Majesty's Council, the members of the 
Assembly who had voted against a delegation, together with 
some officers of the army and navy, and of the customs. An 
affray was threatened; but after a while, the confusion sub- 
sided, and it was determined to send representatives to the 
Colonial Convention, with instructions to choose delegates 
to the General Congress. A nomination of eleven persons 
was made and adopted by the meeting, and a day, the 15th, 
named for the election. 

When that day arrived, the measures recommended on the 
6th, as well as the nomination made at the same time, were 
carried out by the people; eight hundred and twenty-six 
votes being in favor, and one hundred and sixty-three 

* Lamb papers. 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 101 

against them. The next day, the chairman of the Commit- 
tee gave notice to the different counties. Many of these 
came into the measure, and on the 20th, a Provincial Con- 
gress assembled, which with unanimity appointed represent- 
atives to the' General Congress. This was the first Provin- 
cial Congress of New York. 

The Governor of Massachusetts had determined to build 
barracks for the troops; and the people were equally reso- 
lute in their purpose to prevent him. By means of their 
vigilant correspondents, the Sons of Liberty in New York 
became aware of all the movements intended to carry the 
Governor's plan into effect. It was ascertained that certain 
individuals in the city, had agreed to furnish boards for the 
building, and straw for the accommodation of the troops. A 
meeting was called the 20th April, of which Mr. Lamb and 
Marinus Willett were the presiding officers. They were 
addressed by Mr. Lamb, and apprised of the objects to 
w^hich these articles were to be applied; and exhorted to in- 
terpose and prevent their shipment. Accordingly, a sloop 
laden with boards was taken into custody by the Committee, 
and its crew forbidden to proceed on the voyage; the straw 
for the same destination was also arrested.* At this meeting, 
it was proposed by Sears, that the people provide themselves 
with arms, and with twenty-four rounds of ammunition, 
which was agreed to. For proposing this bold measure,! 
and for his alacrity in carrying into effect the resolves of 
the meeting, Sears was arrested and carried before the 
Mayor. In imitation of the conduct of his compatriot, Mc- 
Dougall, on a former occasion, he refused to give bail, and 
was committed; but the populace took him by main force 
from the officers, and bore him in triumph through the town.| 

On the 24th, news arrived of the affair of Concord, and 
the subsequent battle of Lexington. The people, rousing at 
the intelligence, took possession of the City Hall, and armed 

* Holt's papers. f Idem. 

t Papers of the time. Holt, Gaine, ^c. 



102 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

themselves with the implements and munitions that it con- 
tained. Headed by Lamb, Sears, and others, they arrested 
and detained all the vessels in port, about to sail for the pos- 
sessions of the British to the eastward. A quantity of rum 
had been imported into the city, which the collector of the 
port suspected to be for the supply of the patriots; and he 
accordingly refused to land it. Mr. Lamb, accompanied by 
Sears, called upon Mr. Elliott, the collector, and demanded 
the permit; and upon his refusal to grant it, they tendered 
him the amount of the duties chargeable upon it when land- 
ed. He still rejected the proffer. He was then informed 
that the rum would be landed in defiance of the custom house 
regulations. The vessel was ordered into the slip, carts were 
provided, and the liquor was taken out and carried away. 
Lamb and Sears then returned to the custom house, demand- 
ed the keys of the collector, and having received them, they 
dismissed the officers and closed the building; sending no- 
tice to Philadelphia and elsewhere, of what they had done, 
and calling upon all good patriots to follow their example. 

The Committee of New York, received on the 2d May, 
from that of Boston, the announcement of the late hostilities, 
and of their expectation of aid, and countenance, from their 
fellow citizens. They accordingly held a meeting on the 
5th,* and recommended the organization and equipment of 
the militia, and the provision of ammunition.! The city was 
now aroused, and a grand Committee of One Hundred was 
chosen; an address was drawn up, J to the Lord Mayor, and 
Common Council of London, explanatory of the views of 
America, in regard to their rights, and expressive of their de- 
termination to maintain them. This address was signed by 
a large body of the citizens, and a spirit of patriotism and 
zeal, pervaded all classes of the revolutionists. 

The grand Committee of Safety assumed the duties for 
which they had been created; a military association was 

* American Archives, Holt's paper. f Idem. J Idem. 



I 



/ 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 103 

formed, under the command of Samuel Broome,* who volun- 
teered their services to carry out the decrees of the Commit- 
tee, whose offer was accepted. The Committee directed that 
all the cannon in the city, not the property of the colony, 
should be carried away, and on motion of Mr. Lamb,t a sub- 
committee was raised, to inquire into the state of the city 
arms, which had been taken from the hall, and the munitions 
in the magazine, and also to ascertain the quantity of arms 
and ammunition for sale in the city. The Committee of One 
Hundred moved an humble address| to the Lieut. Governor, 
explaining the motives to their appointment, " and assure 
his honor, that the Committee will at all times exert their 
utmost endeavors to promote good order, and support the 
civil magistrates, as far as shall be compatible with the me- 
lancholy exigencies of our public affairs." 

But notwithstanding this pacific message, another sub- 
committee was appointed, " to examine the ground at or near 
King's bridge, and report to this Committee, with all conve- 
nient speed, whether it will answer the purposes intended by 
it."§ Mr. Lamb moved a Committee to present thanks to 
the officers and men of the Connecticut forces, (who had 
marched into the city), for the solicitude for the safety of the 
people, which they had displayed, and for their " noble zeal 
in the service of our common country, on this day of diffi- 
culty and danger;"^ and he also moved, that the corporation 
put the arms of the city in a serviceable condition, by provid- 
ing them with steel rammers.|| 

These resolves were unanimously adopted, and a further 
resolution was passed, requiring the importers of arms, to re- 
port to the Committee the quantity in their possession, and 
denouncing the sale of arms, to any one believed to be hos- 
tile to the revolutionary party.1T To counterbalance these 
belligerent movements, the Speaker of the Assembly, and 
several members of that body, in recess, presented a concilia- 
tory address to Gen. Gage, requesting a forbearance of far- 
ther hostilities. 

♦American Archives, fldem. }Idem. Hdem. y Idem. 1[Idem 



104 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 



CHAPTER VII. 

War begun. — Govenor temporizes. — British Troops expected. — Congress 
recommends no Opposition to the Landing. — Provision of warlike 
Stores. — Magazine at Turtle Bay seized. — Lamb applies for a Commis- 
sion — is appointed to the Artillery. — Cannon ordered for the Forts in 
the Highlands. — Provincial Congress orders Cannon removed from the 
Battery. — Removed. — Asia fires upon the Town. — Lamb's Company 
filled up. — Ordered to the North. — Proceedings of Schuyler's Army. — 
Schuyler compelled to resign the Command. — Lamb arrives in Mont- 
gomery's Camp. — Siege of St. Johns. — New Batteries opened. — Effi- 
ciency of the fire. — Attempt to relieve Garrison. — Carlton repulsed. — 
Flag sent into the Fort. — Lamb receives the Surrender — takes posses- 
sion of the Fort. — March on Montreal — arrival. — Disputes with the 
General. — Lamb proposes to resign. — Dissuaded by Montgomery — 
March on Quebec. — 1775. 

The curtain had now risen; the first Scene in the great 
tragedy to be enacted, was begun, and every true patriot was 
determined to play manfully, the part which was to be alotted 
him, in the coming events. An address was presented to 
Lieut.-Gov. Golden, on the 11th May,* commenting upon the 
repeated encroachments, and aggressions of the government. 
The sanguinary scenes which had occurred at the east; the 
hardships to which their brethren of Boston had been sub- 
jected, and expressing the resolution of the citizens, to resist 
similar aggressions: and as a mean of saving the city from 
devastation and bloodshed, they requested his Excellency, to 
use his influence with Gen. Gage, to prohibit the landing of 
such troops as had been ordered to this station.f The Go- 
vernor attempted to quiet their alarm; assured them that no 
forces were expected, and that the rumor had been raised to 
justify the calling in of the troops from the adjoining pro- 
vince,! which had gathered under Wooster, and were now 
hanging upon the borders.^ The suggestion was artful, and 

* Holt's paper, American Archives, tldem. Jldem. § Idem 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 105 

more specious than true, for troops did actually arrive at the 
Hook, and were ordered to Boston.* The Continental Con- 
gress, anticipating the arrival of these reinforcements from 
England, recommended that no opposition should be made 
to their landing.f That they should have quiet possession 
of the barracks; but that they should not be permitted to 
erect any fortifications. And they especially enjoined that 
provision of warlike stores be forthwith made; and a safe 
retreat secured for the women and children.J 

The Provincial Congress of New York, addressed a circular 
to the inhabitants of Canada, which they caused to be trans- 
lated into French, by Paul Du Simitiere, a talented French- 
man, attached to the patriotic cause, which was afterwards 
industriously disseminated.§ 

In compliance with these requisitions, in regard to mu- 
nitions of war, an important service was planned, and with 
the assistance of some of his tried associates, executed by 
Mr. Lamb. 1 1 A quantity of military stores belonging to the 
King, were deposited at Turtle Bay, on the East River. 
And obtaining a vessel from Connecticut, with his resolute 
band, he passed up in the night, completely surprised the 
guard, and carried off the contents of the magazine. This 
bold exploit was of signal service to the country, A 
part of the stores thus obtained, was sent to the grand army 
at Cambridge, and the residue, destined for the Northern 
campaign, were in part, expended by Lamb's company at 
the siege of St. Johns some time afterwards.H 

Ticonderoga had been taken, and war seemed now inevita- 
ble. Mr. Lamb, therefore determined to offer his services to 
the Congress.** The scientific studies necessary to the prose- 
cution of his early occupation, had been much cultivated and 
improved by an intimate association with Christopher Colles, 
a skilful engineer, both civil and military; and who was af- 

* Holt's paper, American Archives. tidem. JIdem. 

§ Handbills Historical Society. || Lamb papers. lldem. 

** American Archives. 

14 



106 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

terwards employed by the corporation of the city to conduct 
the water from a well in the vicinity of the Collect, or Fresh- 
water Pond, into the town, by means of hydraulic works. 
That gentleman was able and willing to impart a portion of 
his knowledge to his friend and pupil; and presented him 
with a valuable treatise on gunnery, of which he afterwards 
made good use. Accordingly, he applied for a commission, 
intimating his choice of the artillery, as he was better quali- 
fied for that arm of the service than any other. Still he con- 
tinued an active and efficient member of the Grand Commit- 
tee,* the duties of which had become so arduous that Edward 
Laight,t also an important member, moved that no one should 
absent himself from the sessions more than forty-eight hours. 
The application of Mr. Lamb was successful, and he was 
commissioned as captain of artillery, and ordered to organize 
a company.| 

The Lieut.-Governor had, from time to time, prorogued the 
Assembly; and on the return of Gov. Try on, on the 3d July, 
one of his first official acts was to extend that prorogation.§ 
The resumption of the reins of government by that function- 
ary, was every thing but auspicious to the patriotic cause. 
During his long sojourn in England, he had opportunities of 
becoming acquainted with the designs of the Ministry, and 
most probably assisted with his counsels to mature their 
plans. It is certain that his arrival encouraged the royal- 
ists; and the influence which he had acquired over them was 
used to its utmost effect in thwarting the designs of the pa- 
triots.] | 

A boat of the Asia was destroyed by the populace, and 
the men belonging to her taken to Wooster's camp and de- 
tained. The corporation of the city directed that another 
boat should be built at the public expense, to replace the 
one destroyed ; but the carpenters engaged were unwilling to 
work, unless their labors were sanctioned by the Committee 
of One Hundred. This was given; and the Provincial Con- 
Appendix B. *American Archives, fldem. ^Idem. ^Idem. ||Idem. 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 107 

gress, on the 2d August, also disavowed the act of the peo- 
ple, and approved the measures of the corporation and the 
Committee. The King's store, on the North river, was 
broken open, and some of the property plundered, which was 
taken to Wooster's camp, was afterwards restored to the 
public officers. It was apprehended that these outbreaks 
might provoke retaliation; and the Provincial Congress 
passed a resolve, requesting Wooster, who then was re- 
moved some distance from the city, to reoccupy the camp at 
Harlaem, in order to afford protection to the citizens. 

But little progress had been made in filling the company 
ordered to be raised by the Provincial Congress. At first, it 
was intended to fill it by drafts from the infantry companies 
already enlisted; but upon representations of Capt. Lamb, 
adverse to that measure, the Congress, on the seventeenth of 
July, passed an order to enlist men for the artillery; and this 
expedient having proved successful, the Congress directed 
the company to join the northern army; but no clothing 
having been provided, the troops were unable to begin their 
march. 

General Schuyler had, early in the campaign, foreseen the 
necessity of an efficient director of the artillery, and wrote to 
Congress on that head as follows : — " Could not a gentle- 
man be got to accept a commission as commander of artille- 
ry? Perhaps, if rank was given, it would induce some good 
man to undertake it. Such an officer is so evidently neces- 
sary, that I hope this recommendation will claim your atten- 
tion."*] 

About this period, the rumor was rife that the Continental 
Congress had passed a declaration of independence of the 
mother country. This report was denied and denounced by 
the Committee of One Hundred, with much indignation.f 
The Continental Congress had required of New York a quota 
of three thousand men; and in addition to the company of 
artillery, four regiments were ordered to be raised. The first 
* American Archives. t Idem. 



108 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

was placed under the command of Alexander McDougall, 
the second under Gozen Van Schaick, the thhd under James 
Clinton, and the fourth under Colonel Holmes.* 

The Convention had resumed its session, and a resolve 
having been passed by the Continental Congress, to provide 
cannon for the armament of the forts ordered to be con- 
structed in the Highlands, the Provincial Congress deemed 
this sufficient warrant to direct the removal of the cannon 
from the battery in the city.* Captain Lamb was ordered to 
this service, and on the 23d August, with his company, 
assisted by a part of a corps of independents of the command 
of Col. Lasher, and a body of the citizens, proceeded in the 
evening to execute the order of the Congress. Some in- 
timation must have been given to Captain Vandeput, the 
commander of the Asia (a line of battle-ship stationed oif the 
Battery), of the intended movement; for upon the arrival of 
the military, they found a barge and crew, lying on their 
oars, close imder the Fortf A detachment of observation 
was accordingly stationed on the parapet, to watch the pro- 
ceedings of the enemy, with orders to return the fire if at- 
tacked. As soon as the artillery was in motion, a false fire 
was signaled from the boat; and immediately afterwards, a 
musket was discharged at the citizens, who returned it with 
a volley. The barge retreated to the ship, with several 
killed and wounded, and when out of the range of fire from 
the Asia, three guns from the ship were discharged in quick 
succession. The drums on the Battery beat to arms, and 
were answered by a broadside from the Asia, of round and 
grape; and the fire was rapidly repeated for some time.f 
Meanwhile the cannon were moved ofif with great delibera- 
tion; and all that were mounted, twenty-one pieces, were 
safely carried away. Three men were wounded on the 
Battery; and some damage was done to the houses near the 
Fort, and at Whitehall. The alarm was serious in the city, 

* American Archives. 

t Holt's paper. J Idem. • 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 109 

and many of the inhabitants removed their families beyond 
the reach of danger. 

The Provincial Congress had passed a resolve, ordering 
the company of Captain Lamb, to be attached to the first 
regiment of infantry, to which McDougall had been ap- 
pointed colonel; and that it should be considered as forming 
part of the quota of New York, to consist of three thousand 
men.* To this arrangement, Captain Lamb objected as un- 
usual and unjust; as it placed the artillery on a level with 
the infantry; a practice unprecedented in any service, and 
he tendered his resignation. But on the next day, a resolve 
was passed, putting his company upon the same footing of 
the Rhode Island company, raised upon the old artillery 
establishment, until the General Congress should determine 
otherwise.^ He withdrew his resignation, which had not 
been accepted; and prepared to join the Northern army, 
agreeably to the order which had been that day given. 

On the 1st September, a few days before the troops em- 
barked, an unpleasant occurrence took place. One of the 
men who was first enlisted, an Englishman of dissolute habits, 
being in a state of intoxication; attacked the Captain- 
Lieutenant, Isaiah Wool, with so much violence, as to compel 
that oflficer, in his own defence, to cut him down. The wound 
thus given, disabled him from marching, and owing to this, 
and to his mutinous character, he was discharged. Another 
casualty, deprived the company of the service of an efl&cient 
recruit. As the roll was called for embarkation, one of the 
men was not present: search was instantly made for him, but 
the man could not be found; and from the circumstance of 
his coat, and part of his clothing being discovered in a house 
of ill fame, it was conjectured that he had been mm'dered 
there. 

* American Archives, 701, 4th series. 

t Idem. 

§ Lamb's papers. 



110 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

No time was lost on the arrival at Albany, on the 6th, and 
all expedition was made for the frontier.* When, on the 14th, 
the company arrived at Ticonderoga, the means of transpor- 
tation were limited; but orders had been given to forward 
this company in preference to all others, and they were 
embarked on the ITth.f 

Generals Schuyler, and Montgomery, had reached Isle La 
Motte, on the fourth of September, and the next day pro- 
ceeded to Isle au Noix, which lies at the entrance of the So- 
rel, the outlet of Lake Champlain, twelve miles from St. 
Johns.J The day after, with one thousand men, they marched 
for the purpose of making a reconnoissance of the Fort. On 
the march, the left, being part of Col. Waterbury's command, 
were assailed by some tories and Indians, in ambuscade, and 
were smartly engaged for several minutes, when the enemy 
were routed and dispersed.^ In this affair, six were killed, 
and ten wounded on our side, and an equal loss was sustained 
on the part of the enemy. § Among the killed of that party, 
was an old acquaintance of Capt. Lamb, whom he had for- 
merly known in New Jersey, and deemed him to be a friend 
to the country; but removing to Johnstown, in Tryon county, 
he had been won over by Claus, and Johnston, and had 
joined the enemy. Lamb was not disposed to grieve for the 
loss of his former friend, for no man was more severe against 
deserters from a cause, which he himself held sacred.|| 

While reconnoitering the Fort, the observing party was 
exposed to the fire of its batteries, and an officer and several 
men were wounded. Finding the place too well defended 
against assault, Schuyler returned to Isle au Noix, and con- 
structed a boom across the river, to prevent the enemy's flo- 
tilla, consisting of a schooner of twelve nine pounders, and 
a number of armed batteaux, from passing into the lake.1T 

* Letter from Lamb, American Archives, 704, 4th series. 

t American Archives, and Lamb's letter, 707, J Idem. ^ Idem. || Idem. 

T[ American Archives, and Lamb's letter, 707. 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. Ill 

Cols. Claus, and Johnston, had reached Montreal, with a view 
of raising the Canadian noblesse on the side of the British, 
and to keep the Indians in their allegiance.* False alarms^ 
of the most aggravated nature, were industriously circulated j 
among others, it was said that in the pocket of an American 
officer, killed by the savages, were found instructions from 
Schuyler, to give no quarter to the Canadians and Indians.f 
The grossness of this fabrication was so palpable, that it did 
the inventors much injury. False rumors were also rife on 
our side, and it was asserted, and for some time believed, 
that the head of the slain officer alluded to, had been severed 
from his body, and stuck over the gate at Fort St. John, in 
defiance of the invaders.| 

Gen. Schuyler was now compelled, by increasing illness, 
to return to Ticonderoga, and Montgomery, having been re- 
inforced, again advanced to St. Johns, with one thousand 
m en. He ordered Lieut. Col. Ritzma, of the New York re- 
giment, with five hundred men, to march down the river, 
and take post below the Fort, to intercept supplies from that 
quarter. Passing a log house, this detachment received a 
volley from within, which was returned, and two Indians 
killed. Ritzma disconcerted by this attack, thought proper 
to draw off his forces, and return to camp, to the great mor- 
tification of the General, who was compelled, in consequence, 
to return to Isle au Noix.§ Farther reinforcements arriving, 
with some ammunition and artillery, on the 17th, the General 

* American Archives, and Lamb's letter. j Idem. f Idem. 

^ This man was undoubtedly a coward; and Mr. Willett, in the life of 
his father, affirms that he, as well as Zedwitz, the 'major of the regi- 
ment, deserted to the enemy. On a subsequent occasion during the siege, 
Zedwitz was ordered to take a position in the night, which was expected 
to be attacked by the Indians. Capt. Lamb being off duty, happened to 
be at his quarters, when the order was delivered. Zedwitz was about 
to refuse the command, when he was prevailed upon by Lamb, (who of- 
fered to accompany him,) to obey. During the march, Zedwitz made 
such frequent appplication to the bottle, that he became perfectly drunk, 
and Capt. Lamb took the command of the detachment, until it was or- 
dered to retire in the morning. 



112 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

again embarked for St. Johns, and landing at his former en- 
campment, about a mile and a half from the Fort, he dis- 
patched a force of five hundred men, to execute the service 
formerly entrusted to Ritzma, which at this time was more 
successfully performed. The place was now invested; on the 
I8th, a battery, eight hundred yards distant from the works, 
was erected on a point of land commanding the Fort, the 
ship yards, and an armed schooner abreast of the Fort. 
Another, at six hundred yards, in the woods, on the east side, 
was thrown up on the 22d, provided with two small mortars. 
During the erection of these batteries, the enemy kept up an 
incessant fire upon the fatigue parties, by which some men 
were killed, and a great number wounded. This fire was 
feebly returned from such of the guns as were mounted, owing 
to the scantiness of ammunition. 

At this juncture, Captain Lamb arrived, bringing a small 
but welcome supply of military stores ; and having, on the 
26th, bedded a thirteen inch mortar, he commenced a fire of 
shot and shells upon the Fort.* The distance was too great, 
and the positions of the batteries were ill chosen. A de- 
tachment of one hundred and fifty men had, on the 17th, 
been sent to Chamblee, a post down the river, twelve miles 
from St. Johns; these, at a short distance below the Fort, 
were attacked in front by a party of Indians, and annoyed in 
flank, by the fire of two batteaux, armed with swivels, who 
kept up a discharge of grape shot, which compelled them to 
retreat. During this skirmish, the American flotilla, and the 
batteries, commenced a fire upon the batteaux, in support of 
the detached party, and a twelve pound shot, striking one of 

* To show in what estimation Capt. Lamb was, even in this early 
stage of the campaign, held as an officer; the following extract of a let- 
ter from General Schuyler, to the Commander in Chief, is given: 

TicoNDBROGA, 20th Sept. 1775. 
" And I suppose the Artillery Company under Capt. Lamb, will join 
them to-day. These last were indispensably necessary, as we had none 
that knew any thing of the matter." 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 113 

the boats, raked it from stem to stern, by which thirty-five 
men were killed or drowned. 

Gen. Montgomery was aware of the defects of both his 
batteries; and he was solicitous to abandon the one on the 
east side, and erect another in the opposite quarter. But he 
was informed by Major Brown, that the men would not con- 
sent to a change of position, and would leave him if attempted. 
He then called a council of field officers, and explained his 
reasons for the change. The position intended to be chosen, 
was nearer the object of attack, and no shot would have been 
expended from it in vain; as all that missed the parapet, 
would strike a stone house within the walls. The reasoning 
of Montgomery was sufficient to convince General Schuyler, 
to whom they were afterwards detailed, but they failed of 
any effect upon the council of field officers; for they unani- 
mously determined to retain the old position; and the General 
was compelled to abandon his design in despair, with little 
hope of reducing the garrison, except by blockade and starva- 
tion. While this gallant officer was encountering the ut- 
most mortification, by the insubordination of his troops, and 
the pertinacity of his officers, he was cheered by the success 
of his batteries, in sinking the enemy's schooner, and by the 
surrender of Chamblee; by which means, his army was well 
supplied with ammunition, and he could carry on the siege 
with full vigor.* This intelligence he immediately commu- 
nicated to General Schuyler, who also had his full share of 
disgusts and disappointment. Wooster, who had been ap- 
pointed a major-general by Connecticut, had arrived at Ti- 
conderoga, and had undertaken to execute some acts of 
authority, in derogation of the power of the commander of 
the department-! General Schuyler complained of these, 

• Marshall. 

t It was upon similar provocations that the much abused and ill requited 
General thus expressed himself to Congress : "If Job had been a gene- 
ral in my situation, his memory had not been so famous for patience." — 
.Schuyler to Congress^ Sept, 21, 1775. 

15 



114 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

and Wooster gave such explanation as was for the time 
satisfactory; but being apprehensive that similar acts might 
occur, and create farther uneasiness in Montgomery's mind, 
already too much irritated, he endeavored to prevail on 
General Wooster, to send on his men by a subordinate officer. 
But the men declared they would not move, without their 
favorite commander. Schuyler then informed the Connecti- 
cut general that if he joined the camp, his commission in the 
Continental service being of later date than that of Mont- 
gomery, he would rank subordinate to the commands of that 
general. Wooster, although he thought it rather hard to 
to be obliged to serve under a younger officer, patriotically 
waived his claim of rank and his commission from Connecti- 
cut, and consented to join the army. But when that point 
was yielded, the troops began to doubt whether they would 
move at all: and, finally, they determined not to expose 
themselves to the rigors of a northern winter, cut off from 
a possibility of return, by hyperborean frosts and snows. 

Against this resolution, Wooster vehemently remonstrated; 
but found support only from his secretary and chaplain: the 
latter of whom was most indefatigable in his exertions. His 
lay and clerical exhortations, were eventually successful, and 
the men consented to embark on the 23d October. In a few 
days, the General and his men reached the camp; and pro- 
bably his influence produced some change in the disposition 
of the batteries, for the army, on the 28th, took up a new 
position, on the northwest side of the work.* Here a battery 
was erected, on an eminence commanding the Fort, within 
two hundred and fifty yards. Three twelve, one nine-pounder, 
wnth three mortars and three cohorns, were mounted; and 
while it was in process of erection, the enemy kept up a con- 
stant fire of round and grape shot; by which several were 
killed or wounded.f Captain Lamb, who commanded in this 
battery, returned the enemy's shot, by a persevering and well 

* American Archives. 
\ Holt's paper. 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 115 

directed fire, which was kept up, without intermission, day 
and night, and did great execution* 

Governor Carleton had learnt the extremity to which the 
garrison of St. Johns was reduced, and resolved on a vigo- 
rous effort to relieve it. He embarked with a large force 
from Montreal, and detailed Colonel Maclean,! with three 
hundred and fifty men, to cooperate with him by a different 
route. This officer, who had recently joined General Carle- 
ton, had been arrested on his way to the Canadas, and inter- 
rogated by the Provincial Congress of New York, in regard 
to the object of his journey; and he gave assurances of his 
pacific intentions, which so fai- satisfied that body, that they 
suflfered him to proceed; but notwithstanding these declara- 
tions, he at the time, bore the King's commission to raise a 
body of Highlanders for the service of the Crown, a part of 
which composed the detachment. The two divisions, after 
effecting a junction, were to push forward ; and at a given 
signal, the garrison were to attempt a sortie. By this at- 
tack, he hoped to raise the siege and force the Americans to 
retreat; or at least, to enable Major Preston to cut his way 
through the invaders, and form a junction with him to de- 
fend Montreal; but attempting to land at Longueile, he was 
met by Colonel Warner, at the head of his Vermonters, and 
a part of the second New York regiment (Van Schaick's), 
and effectually repulsed. J News of this defeat had reached 
Montgomery ;§ and aware of the condition of the garrison 
and of their expectations of relief from this movement, in 
order to save the effusion of blood, he determined to send a 
flag, with one of the prisoners taken at Longueil, to Major 
Preston, the commander of the fort, and invite him to sur- 
render.jl With this view, late in the evening of the 2d No- 
vember, he sent an officer to Captain Lamb,§ with instruc- 
tions to cease fire until farther orders. Major Preston, who 
had made a very brave defence, doubted, or pretended to 

* American Archives. Marshall. Holt's paper, f Idem. J Idem. 
$ Idem. U Idem. 



116 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

doubt, the prisoner's report, alleging that he was subject to 
fits of insanity: he offered to surrender if not relieved in four 
days. To these conditions the General would not accede; 
but sent the officer back with his ultimatum, which, if not 
complied with, should be announced rejected, by a shot from 
the fort. Preston, despairing of relief, now agreed to ca- 
pitulate. The terms were adjusted, and next morning, Capt. 
Lamb, with his company and a detachment of two hundred 
men from the other corps of the army, was ordered to receive 
the surrender of the fort, and to take possession.* The garri- 
son, consisting of five hundred men of the regular army, and 
one hundred Canadians, many of them of the noblesse of the 
Province, were made prisoners of war. During the siege, 
the fort expended six hundred shells, beside round and grape 
shot.f 

The protraction of the seige of St. Johns was fatal to the 
success of the campaign. Had the means at the disposal of 
Schuyler, been more efficient, or had those under the com- 
mand of Montgomery been governed by the discretion of the 
General, the fortress might have been earlier taken, and a 
junction formed with Arnold, in time to have taken advan- 
tage of the panic of the garrison of Quebec. That city, 
although better fortified, was not, until after the taking of 
St. Johns, so well garrisoned as the captured fortress; and 
would, in all probability, have opened its gates to the com- 
bined American forces. It is true, the Green Mountain boys, 
after engaging to follow, had, in consequence of some griev- 
ance, fancied or real, deserted Montgomery's standard; but 
with what remained of the army after their defection, the 
force was sufficiently formidable to warrant success. The 
causes for this delay, are to be found principally in the de- 
murs and dissatisfaction of the troops; and there are many 
reasons to believe that the General had increased these dis- 
contents, and his own difficulties, by his impetuosity, and a 
spirit too exacting. 

* Vide Appendix B. f Marshall. 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 117 

During the seige, Captain Gershom Mott, of the first, or 
McDougall's regiment, had command of the fatigue party 
who were erecting the mortar battery; and upon a sudden 
alarm in the night, had abandoned his post and retreated. 
The account of a lieutenant of the party being at variance 
with that of Capt. Mott, the General was induced to believe 
that the battery had been unnecessarily abandoned; and he 
ordered the arrest of Mott, whom he threatened to treat with 
great rigor. Mott was known to the officers of the New 
York troops, as one of the' most daring agitators of the times 
preceding the Revolution; and none knew him better than 
Captain Lamb, with whom he had acted for ten years upon 
the most important committees — from the time of the burn- 
ing of Lieut. -Gov. Colden in effigy, in 1765, to the opening 
of the campaign. Neither he nor his fellow officers could 
believe, that one who had always displayed so much moral 
firmness, and who had frequently encountered personal dan- 
ger with intrepidity, could be stained with cowardice; and 
they petitioned the General to restore him to his command. 
This interference was not well received by the General, and 
it formed one of his complaints to Schuyler; but it appears 
that he must have yielded to the request, as Mott marched 
with his company to Montreal, and behaved well at the storm 
of Quebec* 

Another instance occurred,! ^^ which the opinions of the 
New York officers came in conflict with that of the General. 
In the articles of capitulation of St. Johns, the baggage of 
the officers and that of the men was secured to them. But 
in addition to the clothing already served out previous to 
the surrender, a new suit for each soldier was claimed from 
the captured stores; and this was ordered by the General to 
be given them.J The best clothed of our troops, were scan- 
tily provided, and many were nearly naked: these thought 
the order of the General more generous to the prisoners than 
just to his own soldiers, and murmured at it. The officers 

* Holt's paper. t American Archives. | Idem. 



118 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

joined in that belief, and remonstrated against what they 
thought an overstraining of the articles, to the prejudice of 
their men. The General took fire at this interposition, and 
insisted that the rules of the British service allowed an extra 
suit, for holiday purposes.* The officers demurred to this 
decision. They could not perceive the propriety of con- 
demning their men to severe privations j while the prisoners, 
who were to be marched into a warmer climate, should be 
permitted to carry away a superabundance of clothing. 

The march on Montreal commenced the day after the sur- 
render of St. Johns, by the way of La Prairie. The forces 
of Gov. Carleton held the mouth of the Sorell, and Col. Eas- 
ton, with Livingston's corps, and Brown's detatchments, was 
sent to dislodge them. This enterprise was successful, and 
Col. Maclean, who, with a body of Highlanders, raised in 
the province, and some Canadians loyal to the Crown, held 
the post, were defeated and driven off, before the British flo- 
tilla on the St. Lawrence, could make its escape. While 
thus hemmed in, Carleton heard of Arnold's arrival before 
Quebec; and committing the defence of Montreal to Gen. 
Prescott, disguised as a Canadian voyageur, he embarked on 
board a canoe, himself assisting at the paddles, and success- 
fully passed the American batteries at the mouth of the So- 
rell. The fire of these was so well directed, as to compel the 
British vessels above them to surrender; in effecting this, 
Lieut. Lockwood, of the Connecticut forces, performed effi- 
cient service. 

Not long after the surrender of the fleet, Montgomery ap- 
peared before Montreal, and despairing of a successful re- 
sistance. Gen. Prescott capitulated. 

It is not surprising, that in the controversy respecting the 
issue of the clothing taken at St. Johns, that the officers 
of the New York troops, should have taken that view of the 
question which they believed their duty prompted; and it is 

* American Archives. 

t American Archives. t Marshall. § American Archives. 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 119 

highly probable, that Gen. Montgomery was right, in ascrib- 
ing to Capt. Lamb, which he did, in a letter, of Nov. 13th, 
to Gen. Schuyler, the day of the surrender of Montreal, much 
of the vehemence with which he was urged on that occasion.* 
For Lamb was peculiarly tenacious of his own rights, and 
even more sensitive to any attempt to infringe those of his 
men, and therefore likely to resist any curtailment of their 
comforts. 

Another offence of a still more serious nature, provoked the 
high spirited Commander. He had consented that many of 
the prisoners taken at Montreal, among whom were some of- 
ficers of rank, should remain on parole within the city, while 
the army marched on Quebec;! and as the officers generally 
were of the opinion that such indulgence was dangerous, they, 
on the 23d November remonstrated against it.J This so in- 
censed Montgomery, that he threw up the command.§ But 
when a committee was appointed to explain the motive, they 
alleged it to have been done, to afford the Commander an ex- 
cuse for refusing further indulgence, and for retracting that 
already granted, if he should afterwards concur with them in 
their opinion. This excuse was sufficient to mollify the re- 
sentment of the General, and he resumed the command. 

On this occasion, in a letter to Gen. Schuyler, of the 24th, 
he charges Captain Lamb with being the agitator; and ad- 
mitting his " bravery," " activity," and " intelligence," ac- 
cuses him of being of " bad temper, turbulent and trouble- 
some."|| If, by being of a bad temper, he meant, and proba- 
bly he did mean nothing more, than that he was sudden and 
irascible; none who ever knew Capt. Lamb, will deny the 
charge. But his temper, if hasty, was noble and generous; 
not tinctured with moroseness, or malevolence; ever ready 
to repair a wrong, and placable to any concession, whenever 
any such was infficted upon him. He saw men and things, 

* American Archives. Dunlap's History. fldem. 
i American Archives. § Idem. || Idem. 



120 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

through a different medium from that which formed the Ge- 
neral's perspective; and to what extent he and his coadju- 
tors were justifiable, the facts must determine. It is too evi- 
dent that Montgomery had imbibed prejudices common to the 
officers bred in the English army, and that his aristocratic 
propensities caused him to undervalue the officers under him.* 
That their coarse habiliments, and imperfect equipments, 
(many of those of the infantry, from the city of New York, 
having been obliged to ask advances from the Provincial 
Congress, to complete their outfit), seem to have generated 
contempt in his, mind, is evident from his letter to Schuyler, 
in which he says, " I wish some method could be fallen upon 
of engaging gentlemen to serve."! This remark, in connec- 
tion with another, lauding the gentility of the officers taken 
at Chamblee,J indicates that he considered those in service 
under him as beyond the prescribed pale; and the natural 
consequences of such an opinion, would be to increase the 
difficulties under which he labored. 

If, as we are free to admit, there was a deviation from 
subordination to military rule on these occasions, there are 
many things which may be pleaded in palliation. This was 
Lamb's first campaign. At home, he had been for some 
time, possessed of almost tribunitial authority; and he found 
it difficult, thus soon, to yield implicit obedience to the mili- 
tary consul. 

There can be no doubt, that these passages were reviewed 
in after life, with little satisfaction; especially, as the ac- 
complished General, whom none more ardently admired than 
Captain Lamb, had met so gallantly a soldier's doom. For 
when he himself had risen in the service, he was peculiarly 
sensitive to any encroachments of his superiors, and equally 
tenacious of his own authority with regard to his subordi- 
nates.§ 

* American Archives. f Idem. | Idem. 

4 To the officers under his command, he was always kind and courte- 
ous, unless prompted to a different course, by any breaches of civility on 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 121 

At Montreal, Captain Lamb was informed that the Gene- 
ral Congress had not taken satisfactory order, with regard to 
the pay and emolument of his company, promised by the 
Provincial Congress. As most of his men had been enlisted 
under assurances of being put upon the looting of the artil- 
lery of other armies, this neglect placed him in an unplea- 
sant position, with respect to the men thus enlisted; and he 
could not endure the thought of retaining the command of 
dissatisfied soldiers, who might think him a party to their 
disappoinment. He, therefore, signified to General Montgo- 
mery his determination to retire from the public service. 
From this resolution, the General most earnestly dissuaded 
him;* and immediately wrote to General Schuyler, urging 
him to use his influence to remove the causes of his dissatis- 
faction. " If (says he) we are to have artillery. Captain 
Lamb is absolutely necessary to the army."t As this letter 

their part; and to the younger officers he was particularly afFectionate 
and considerate. But he would bear no approach to an improper fami- 
liarity. The wound that he had received at Quebec, disfigured the left 
eye and cheek, and he wore a green patch over it, to conceal the de- 
formity. 

The following anecdote is told by General Burbec, the son of an old 
artillery commander ; and himself an officer in the same corps, during 
the war of the Revolution : 

" In 1780, he was ordered to West Point, under the command of Col. 
Lamb, and afterwards removed to the Park, posted in the vicinity. 
While there, he contracted a violent inflammation in his eyes, and requested 
to be ordered to the garrison, to put himself under cure. He reported 
himself at the quarters of the colonel, who received him with great cor- 
diality, and dismissed him, that he might pay his respects to the ladies 
at the post. These thinking that the 'joke' would be 'laughable,' per- 
suaded him to place a patch over the left side of his face ; and they fabri- 
cated one, exactly resembling the colonel's. Thus accoutred, he made his 
appearance at the quarters of the Commander. He was received with a 
reserved bow, and accosted with some sternness : Sir, I perceive you are 
in a fair way to be cured of your malady, and the sooner you join your 
company at the Park, the better." There was no appeal, and the fur- 
lough was shortened. 

* American Archives. Holt's paper. Dunlap's History, t Idem. 

16 



122 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

was written after the altercation respecting the clothing ta- 
ken at St. Johns, it is evidence of the placability of the Ge- 
neral, and of the predominance in his mind of the public 
good, over his own private griefs. 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 123 



CHAPTER VIII. 

March on Quebec. — Junction with Arnold. — Quebec invested. — Breast- 
works of Ice, — Fire on the Town ineffectual. — Montgomery's Visit to 
the Trenches. — Aaron Burr. — Preparations for storming Delayed. — Re- 
solved on. — Montgomery killed. — McPherson — Cheeseman. — Camp- 
bell orders a Retreat. — Lamb wilh Arnold's Detachment, leads the 
Van of the Stormers. — First Battery. — Gun abandoned. — Battery 
carried by the Bayonet. — Arnold wounded. — Morgan. — Lamb wound- 
ed. — Second Barrier carried. — News of the Repulse of Montgomery. — 
Sortie of the Garrison. — Retreat of the Advance cut off. — Occupy a 
House. — Cannon brought against it. — Surrender of the Dctatchment. 
Scottish Commissary. — The Hospital. 

The supplies obtained at Sorel and at Montreal, afforded 
comfortable clothing for the troops; but difficulties beset the 
gallant General on every side. The Roman Catholic priests 
had exerted their great influence with the Canadian noblesse, 
to induce them not to join his army, or to declare against the 
British; and he was forced to be content with professions of 
neutrality, of doubtful continuance, should the fate of war 
be adverse to the expedition.* Soon, that curse of the army, 
short enlistments, began to thin their ranks, by the abandon- 
ment of those companies whose engagements had expired;! 
but he did his best to conquer those difficulties, and to hasten 
his departure from Monreal. Capt. Willett had been placed in 
charge of the garrison at St. Johns; and leaving Wooster in 
command of the posts behind him, Montgomery embarked his 
troops on board the flotilla captured from the enemy, and made 
all haste to join Arnold at Point au Tremble. From thence, 
both detachments taking up their march, they arrived and 
encamped together on the Plains of Abraham, on the 5th 
December. 

Here in the dead of winter, the ground frozen to a great 
depth, and covered with snow; scantily provided with in- 

* Marshall. f Idem. 



124 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

trenching tools; with only a field train of artillery, and a few 
mortars; the General made the best dispositions for attack 
which the occasion presented.* Gabions, ranged abreast, 
and filled up with snow, with water poured upon it until it 
was thoroughly frozen, formed the only intrenchments;t and 
by incessant labor and perseverance, they succeeded in 
throwing up a breast work opposite to the gate of St. Louis, 
four hundred yards distant from the walls, for the artillery, 
while Montgomery, with the major part of the army, sat 
down opposite to the citadel of Cape Diamond; some mor- 
tars had also been placed in the suburbs of St. Roques. 
From the ice battery, upon which was mounted five guns 
and a howitzer, Capt. Lamb commenced a well sustained 
but ineffectual fire upon the walls. This was returned by 
the heavy artillery of the fortress, with ample usury: the 
brittle barriers were shivered at every discharge; some of 
the guns were dismounted, and rendered useless, while 
scarcely any impression was made upon the ramparts of the 
enemy. 

The commander of the artillery was exceedingly annoyed 
by one particular gun from the town, the position of which 
he marked by its ranging with the tower of a church, which 
at each discharge, scattered his fragile defenses in every di- 
rection. On one occasion, a shot from this piece struck the 
muzzle of one of his own guns, and splintered a piece of 
metal from it; and scarcely had it been repointed and dis- 
charged, when the next shot from the town dismounted this 
identical gun.| For five successive days and nights, the 
garrison were kept on the alert, by the shot and shells of 
this battery; and although very slight damage was done to 
the wall by the balls, the town was fired by the shells in 
many places. Gen. Montgomery, in the hope that the citi- 
zens were disaffected, now summoned the garrison to sur- 
render; but the flag was fired upon, and ordered back. In 

* Marshall. t American Archives. Holt's paper. 

t Holt's paper. 



LIFE OF JOFIN LAMB. 125 

order to create dissatisfaction among the population, the In- 
dians in the invading camp, were i/istructed to fire letters, 
attached to their arrows, to the citizens, announcing Carle- 
ton's refusal to treat, and advising them to compel him to 
do so, by popular clamor;* but nothing was gained by the 
manoeuvre. Little had been expected from these batteries, 
by those who had them in command, and knew the ineffi- 
ciency and lightness of the guns; which excluded all hope of 
being able to breach the walls:! still, however, they answered 
the destructive discharges of the garrison, with great spirit. 
It was near the close of the day, the fire during which had 
been unusually destructive, that Gen. Montgomery paid a 
visit to the trenches; and at the instant that one of the mur- 
derous missiles of the enemy had dismounted one of the 
guns, and disabled many of the men, he arrived in the bat- 
tery.| A second shot, almost as destructive, immediately 
followed. "This is warm work, sir!" addressing Captain 
Lamb. " It is, indeed." was the reply, " and certainly no 
place for you, sir." " Why so. Captain?" said the General. 
" Because," he answered, " there are enough of us here to 
be killed, without the loss of you, which would be irrepara- 
ble.""^ After some time the General became satisfied of the 
insufficiency of the batteries, and on retiring he gave Capt. 
Lamb permission to withdraw his men, whenever he thought 
proper: immediately, if he chose to do it. He decided to 
remain until after dark; when, securing all their guns, they 
abandoned the ruined redoubt. On this occasion, the Gene- 
ral was accompanied by Aaron Burr,|| whom he had appoint- 
ed his aid. This was the first time that Lamb had ever seen 
him; and as his appearance was juvenile in the extreme, 
he wondered that the General should encumber his family, 
with the addition of one, who seemed a mere boy. But 
upon a more thorough scrutiny of his countenance, the fire 
of his eye, and his perfect coolness and immobility, under 

t Holt. t Family tradition. 

Hdem. II Idem. 



126 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

such dangerous fire, convinced him that the young volunteer 
was no ordinary man; and not out of place in the most im- 
portant position. 

The only hope now, was by escalade, and this the Gene- 
ral resolved to attempt; but the design was for a long time 
delayed by the dissensions which had grown up in his camp.* 
A feud of long standing, had existed between Arnold and 
Major Brown, who had done good service at St. Johns and 
Chamblee. Arnold, who had been commissioned by Massa- 
chusetts to enlist men for the capture of Ticonderoga;! hear- 
ing that a movement for the same purpose, was about to be 
made by Ethan Allen and others; anticipated the march of 
his own levies, and reached the forces destined for the at- 
tempt, at Castleton, in Vermont. J With these troops was 
Major Brown. Arnold exhibited his conmaission, and claimed 
the command, which was refused by Allen and his asso- 
ciated officers. The resentment roused by this occurrence 
was never appeased; but was exhibited on both sides, on 
many occasions throughout the Canadian campaign. Be- 
fore the junction with Montgomery, some difficulty had 
arisen between the commander of the other corps, and one 
of his captains; with whom, two others, afterwards, sided. 
Brown took this occasion to gall his former antagonist, by 
fomenting the dispute,§ and encouraging them to hope to be 
detached from Arnold's corps, to a separate command 
under him. When a council was called, and the plan 
of attack by storm proposed, Montgomery found, to his great 
mortification and surprise, that these three captains made 
their detachment from Arnold, a condition of assent to the 
service.|| To this act of injustice, the General would not 
consent, and it was with great difficulty, that the malcon- 
tents could be made to forego their unreasonable demand, 
and join in the attack. 

* American Archives, Holt's paper. fldem. 
} American Archivess . § Idem. || Idem. 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 127 

This insurrectionary movement quelled, the General formed 
his plan of the assault. One-third part of the effective men 
of the army, taking advantage of a favorable wind, were to 
fire some houses which would have communicated the con- 
flagration to the stockades recently erected at St. Roques,* 
and in the confusion, they were to force the barriers of the 
lower town, while the main body attempted the bastion at 
Cape Diamond, by escalade.f The ladders were provided, 
and a favorable moment awaited with anxiety, but from some 
movement of the garrison, it was suspected, that the plan 
had been made known to the Governor,| by deserters, who 
had left the camp, after the arrangement had been deter- 
mined on, and the design was abandoned. Still resolved upon 
a coup de main, the General directed Col. Livingston to 
make a false attack, with shew of firing the gate of St. John,, 
and another detachment imder Capt. Brown, to make a feint 
upon the bastion at Cape Diamond,^ While Arnold's corps, 
strengthened by Capt. Lamb, with forty men of his company, 
should assault the suburbs and batteries by St. Roques,|| Mont- 
gomery himself, at the head of the residue of the forces, was 
to pass below the bastion of Cape Diamond, and defiling 
along the river, carry the defences at Drummond's Wharf. 
The morning of 3 1st December arrived, and with it a heavy 
fall of snow, which in some measure, gave facility to the 
operations, and all parties proceeded to execute the several 
duties assigned to them.U Something occurred to prevent 
Livingston's attack on the gate of St. John, thereby failing 
to create a diversion favorable to Arnold's detachment. But 
the feint on Cape Diamond was made, which concealed the 
march of the General, who, notwithstanding great difficul- 
ties, occasioned by the broken and narrow path they had to 
pursue; he, at the head of his forlorn hope, surprised the bat- 
tery, and as soon as the piquets could be sufficiently removed, 

* American Archives. f Idem. 

t Marshall, American Archives, Holt's paper. §Idem. || Idem. 

% American Archives, Holt's paper. 



128 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

with his aids, and Capt. Cheeseman, of the first New York 
regiment, followed by some of his men, he entered the breach 
sword in hand.* The surprise was perfect; the gunners 
broke from their guns, leaving their linstocks behind them.f 
The General, and his gallant associates, were pressing on, 
elated with success, when a drunken sailor,J staggering up 
to the gun, gave fire with most fatal effect. The gallant 
Montgomery, with McPherson, one of his aids, and the brave 
Capt. Cheeseman, of the Yorkers, were struck down. The 
two first were instantly killed, but Cheeseman, who had 
received a canister shot through the body, made an effort to 
rise, and push onward; but the wound was mortal, and he 
fell back a corpse. 

This gallant oflScer, had a remarkable presentiment, that 
he should fall in the attack, and mentioned it freely to his 
comrades. He dressed himself that morning with unusual 
neatness, and putting a considerable sum of gold in his pocket, 
cheerfully remarked, that it might ensure him a decent burial. 
With him, fell a sergeant, and several men of his company. § 
The death of Montgomery, was fatal to the enterprise. The 
officer next to the General in lineal rank, was at some dis- 
tance from the front of the detachment, and Col. Campbell, 
the Quartermaster-General to the army of the north, took the 
responsibility of assuming the command, for which he was 
totally unqualified; for instead of inspiriting the men, and 
pressing on the victory half won, he was entirely discon- 
certed by the sudden loss of the commander, and ordered a 
retreat, leaving || behind him fifteen dead bodies of the detach- 
ment, among whom was that of Montgomery himself. 

* Marshall, American Archives, Holt's paper. f Idem. 

i Family tradition. § Holt. 

II It was unfortunate that this individual had acquired so much influ- 
ence over the mind of the General, as to have been employed on this oc- 
casion, and still more so, that no officer w^as present, entitled to dispute 
the command with Col. Campbell. Parts of the New York regiments 
were engaged in this storm; but the first had marched under the Lieut. 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 129 

Meanwhile, the diversion in favor of the other detachment, 
the attack upon the gate of St. John, had failed;* but at 
the signal given, they marched with great secrecy and des- 
patch. It was necessary to make a considerable detour to 
the south, in order to gain the east side of the town ; and to 
march through the suburb St. Roque, under the w^alls, to the 
south, or river side of the city. Arnold, like Montgomery, 
had resolved to lead the forlorn hope in person. Accompa- 
nied by Oswald, one of his former captains at Ticonderoga, 
now his secretary! and twenty-five men, and followed by 
Captain Lamb| and his company, with a field piece, mount- 
ed on a sled, they pressed on to the attack. The main body 
marched in the rear of the artillery; a company with ladders 
and scaling implements preceding Morgan with his riflemen. 
The path to the battery was so narrow, that the guns which 
defended it commanded every inch of the passage; while 
the right flank of the whole corps was exposed to a fire from 
the walls of the town§ and the pickets of the barrier. The 
fall of snow, which had continued without intermission, was 
so heavy, and the drifts so deep, as to render it impossible to 
move the field piece further; and Captain Lamb sent notice 
to the commander, while his company was brought to a halt.|| 
He informed the oflicer of the next corps in his rear of his 
inability to move, and offered to open his column, so as to 
permit the advance; but the prudent captain declined to 
avail himself of this opportunity to lead the van, alleging 

Colonel, and even he had been left behind at Montreal, and Col. James 
Clinton, of the third regiment, brother of George Clinton, afterwards Go- 
vernor of New York, did not arrive in camp until a fortnight after the re- 
pulse. Had not that officer been on other duty, the command would have 
devolved on him, and from his well known resolution, we have assurance 
that he would not have retreated, while a possibility of success remained. 

* Marshall. t American Archives. 

X The histories of this seige, all deceived by Lamb being with Arnold's 
detachment at the storm, affirm that he marched with him through the 
wilderness; and Marshall, in his last revised edition, has not corrected 
the error of his first publication in that respect. 

$ Idem II Family tradition. 

17 



130 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

that he was specially ordered to keep in rear of the artillery, 
and the march of the whole detachment was impeded.* 
Morgan, who followed next, pressed forward to ascertain the 
delay; and ordered the too scrupulous officer onward, with 
a very emphatic anathema. The artillery opened to the 
right and left, and afforded a passage. In this manner, they 
passed through to the front, and Morgan was first after Ar- 
nold, under the piquets of the battery, and engaged with the 
enemy.f 

Arnold was now wounded and forced to retire ; and Lamb, 
receiving orders to abandon the gun, led on his company, 
armed with muskets, to assist the advance. J The joining of 
Lamb with a band of resolute fellows with bayonets, was to 
Morgan a joyful circumstance. The rifle is not an efficient 
weapon in an escalade, particularly in the obscurity of a 
night, increased by the falling snow; and although Botta, 
in extolling the skill of the American sharp shooters, makes 
them kill many of the British gunners through the embra- 
zures, he forgets that the darkness was such, that the posi- 
tion of those embrazures could only be known by the fire of 
the artillery; and that the transient flashes which issued 
from the guns, could not afford time for deliberate aim. The 
battery was well defended; and close under the muzzles of 
the guns the assailants received a discharge of grape shot; 
miraculously escaping with the loss of one man only. The 
remains of the forlorn hope, under Oswald,] | now joined 
Lamb's company; and the whole force mounting the para- 
pet, they carried the place with the bayonet, taking the cap- 
tain of the guard and the garrison prisoners.TI 

An hour now elapsed since the first fire was opened from 
the walls and the battery; and it beginning to grow lighter, 
the invaders who were pressing on to the second barrier, 
were exposed to a galling fire from the walls of the city, 
which constantly thinned their ranks; but as each brave fel- 

* Faniily tradition. t Idem. t Idem. ^ Marshall. 

II Family tradition. 1 Holt's paper. 




Xith. of A.IF^J'casc, t^iaarry. 



\. 5 



s. 



s= ;-. fi 






rt B t^ -J 



_^___ 



■f 1 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 131 

low fell, if any life remained in him, he cheered on his com- 
rades to the attack.* The second barrier was soon reached 
and assaulted with great resolution. The defence was a 
brave one, and the enemy maintained it as long as possible; 
but all advancing to the charge, the defenders broke from 
their guns, and the battery was gained: one of the gunners, 
more resolute than the rest, ran back, linstock in hand, to 
give the last shot.f Captain Lamb, within a few yards dis- 
tance, discovered him as he advanced, and twice snapped 
his fusee at him as he made the attempt; but the priming 
being wetted with the snow, failed to explode; and in the 
act of priming for the third effort, the cannon was dis- 
charged.J A grape shot hit Lamb on the left cheek, near 
the eye, and carried away part of the bone; the force of the 
blow and the concussion of the shot, stunned him, and threw 
him senseless upon the snow. Some of his faithful fellows 
carried him into a cooper's shop near at hand, and laid him 
upon a pile of shavings, still insensible. 

The principal defences of the town were carried, and the 
victorious vanguard, unsupported by the main body (except 
some few who imder the command of Lieut.-Colonel Greene 
and Majors Meigs and Bigelow had pushed on to the first 
barrier), were prepared to advance into the town; when the 
garrison recovering from their consternation, and relieved of 
their fears by the retreat of Campbell; sallied in force from 
the Palace gate,|| and cut off the advanced party. The main 
body retreated to camp, leaving behind the field-piece, which 
had been abandoned as useless by the stormers, and the mor- 
tars in the battery at St. Roques.1T A charge was made by 
the garrison, and some of the oflficers and men, who had not 
passed the first barrier, were taken prisoners.** Meanwhile, 
news had arrived of the death of Montgomery, and of the 
defeat of the other detachment. The advance was hemmed 
in on all sides. To cut their way through was impracticable, 

♦ Family tradition t Idem. t Idem. 

II American Archives. H Holt's paper. **Marshall. 



132 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

as they would have been exposed to a flanking fire of the 
whole garrison who manned the walls, while they were en- 
gaged with the party which had intercepted their retreat in 
front. They therefore threw themselves into a stone house 
near Limeburner's wharf and resolved to make good their 
defence. This was difficult, as their pieces were so much 
disabled by the wet, that not one in ten would give fire.* 
Cannon were now brought up from the St. Charles side, and 
prepared to play upon the house, and Morgan, finding hope 
of relief unavailing, after having been in action for three 
hours, reluctantly surrendered.! 

In searching for the dead and wounded, Capt. Lamb was 
found where he had been left; still without consciousness, 
benumbed with cold, and loss of blood. A surgeon, after 
examination, pronounced him yet alive, and made prepara- 
tions to restore him to animation. While thus engaged, a 
Scott's commissary, who had been in service in New York,J 
who had known Captain Lamb, and was familiar with some 
of the the exploits attributed to him, exclaimed to the sur- 
geon that he had better let him die; as a person so obnoxious 
to the King's vengeance, would assuredly be tried and con- 
victed for his manifold offences; and that it would be a kind 
of charity, thus to save him from the gallows. The surgeon 
rejected the humane suggestion, and having revived him, his 
patient was carried to the convent of the nuns of the order 
of Mercy, then the temporary hospital ; not however, without 
being plundered of his shoes and buckles, by some of the 
underlings; and without shoes, supported by two men, he 
was assisted over the paved court, covered with snow, and 
put to bed in that condition in his wet garments. 

These circumstances, together with previous exposure, 
brought on next day a severe fit of the gout; which greatly 
added to the pain of his wound, and protracted his cure. 
While in this state, he was visited by the officious commis- 

• Marshall. t American Archives. 

I Family tradition. 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 133 

sary, who exhausted his rhetoric in the same arguments 
which he had held to the surgeon. He told him of Allen's 
having been sent home in irons to be tried; that his fate 
would be no less severe and certain; and that the King would 
never pardon so attrocious a rebel. These follies might 
have annoyed a man less resolute than Captain Lamb; but 
he contented himself with assuring his Caledonian adviser 
that if his Majesty should wreak such vengeance on him, 
that Washington would retaliate, by awarding the same fate 
to as good a man as he was; and that he had fortunately 
assisted to place such a one in his hands, by his services at 
St. Johns. 

The Commissary was not far wrong in his conclusions. 
Governor Carleton seriously meditated such proceeding 
against his prisoner, for having surprised the magazine at 
Turtle Bay;* or in loyal parlance, robbed the King's stores. 
Preparations were made to send him out in the Diana fri- 
gate, which was to depart on the opening of the river; and 
even before he was convalescent, an officer of rank commu- 
nicated to him the Governor's designs, and magnified the 
danger to which he was exposed. Capt. Lamb in reply, 
bade him assure his Excellency, that in the cause of his 
country he was able to endure more than he could possibly 
inflict. And if measures were carried to the last extremity 
against him, he was well assured, that Congress would direct 
ample retribution.f In this he was not mistaken; for upon 
a knowledge of Carleton's determination, that functionary 
was informed from authentic sources, that whatever rigors 
were imposed upon his prisoner by him, would be retaliated 
to the utmost, upon the officers taken at St. Johns. 

For a long time, the wound of Captain Lamb continued 
painful, and dangerous; and it was found difficult to give 
him a any nourishment, except by pressing open his mouth 
and administering liquid aliments; and this inconvenience ex- 
isted to the day of his death. At first it was supposed that 

* Family tradition. f Idem, 



134 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

the eye was not permanently injured; but these hopes proved 
fallacious, and it was soon found that the sight was totally 
destroyed. After a fortnight had elapsed, the surgeon who 
had hastily dressed the wound, informed his patient, that if 
he would hazard the danger and endure the pain of a se- 
cond operation, the rigidity of the jaw might be in some 
degree relaxed. And at least, the scar might be rendered 
less conspicuous. To this, Captain Lamb consented, and the 
operation, so far as regarded the cicatrice, was tolerably suc- 
cessful, but the greater evil was but partially remedied. 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 135 



CHAPTER IX. 

Enterprise fails by Irresolution of Campbell. — Lamb promoted. — Quebec 
Horolo£;er. — Prisoners in the Seminary. — Plan Escape. — Discovered 
and Plan abandoned. — Some of the Privates enlist. — Reproved by Lamb 
and Steele. — Maclean's Letter. — Treatment of the Prisoners — Block- 
ade continued. — Distresses of Invaders. — Confidence of the Canadians 
declines. — Detachment from the Town defeated. — Arrival of Wooster. 
— Thomas. — River opens. — Sortie of Carleton. — Retreat of the Ame- 
ricans. — Affair of the Cedars — of Three Rivers. 

The disastrous termination of this storm was deeply de- 
plored, and its consequences were productive of the entire 
ruin of the campaign. The brave party which had actually 
taken the place, and properly sustained, would have held it, 
were left entirely without support; nor was any movement 
made to create a diversion in their favor. The incapable 
Campbell, who still, in consequence of Arnold's wound, as- 
sumed command, in his letter to General Wooster, talked of 
an enterprise to relieve them after dark;* as if by miracle, 
a handful of men, could in a house with no defences, resist 
five times their number, (provided with competent artillery,) 
for a whole day. It is certain, that if he had conquered the 
momentary panic, if, indeed, any such existed, after the fall 
of Montgomery, and shewed sufficient courage and conduct 
in persisting in the assault, the whole of Arnold's detach- 
ment would have made a lodgement in the town, and the 
Govern or, between two fires, and with a disaffected population, 
would have been compelled to surrender. But so far was he 
from acting the part of a judicious leader, and keeping the 
division, the command of which he had usurped, in action, 
that he not only ordered a retreat, but sent word to the de- 
tachment on the otherside of the town, ofthe disasters which 
ha d occurred, and of the cessation of the assault on his part.f 

* American Archives. t American Archives, Holt's paper. 



136 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

Those, therefore, who had not penetrated beyond the Palace 
gate, fell back; and the British troops in the sortie from the 
gate, meeting no obstacle, after having driven off the sup- 
port upon which they relied, took a position which effectually 
cut off the retreat of the party which had penetrated into the 
place. 

The unfortunate victims of this conduct of Campbell, ana- 
thematized him for his cowardice in unmitigated terms,* 
and all ascribed to him, the failure of an expedition well 
planned, and which certainly on their part, had been effi- 
ciently executed; the frustration of which, was the cause of 
their captivity and their subsequent misfortunes. The suf- 
ferings of Capt. Lamb, were somewhat alleviated by the re- 
ceipt of a commission, elevating him to the rank of Major; 
and appointing him to the command of the artillery of the 
northern department. This promotion was exceedingly gra- 
tifying to him, especially as it was accompanied by a resolve 
of Congress, approving of his past services, in the following 
words: 

" Resolved, That Capt. Lamb be appointed Commander 
of the Artillery in the Northern Department, with the rank 
of Major; and that he be allowed fifty dollars per month, 
from the first day of the present month, as a reward for his 
activity, and spirited conduct, in the last campaign. "f 

He was also appointed to the regiment of artillery, com- 
manded by Col. Knox; and Washington, in a letter from 
Cambridge, thus announces the appointment to Gen. Schuy- 
ler. " Capt. Lamb is appointed second Major in the regi- 
ment of artillery, commanded by Col. Henry Knox. This 
promotion I thought due to his merit and bravery."| 

For these promotions, he was doubtless indebted without 
knowing it, to the representations of Gen. Schuyler, in July, 
1775, and afterwards reiterated at the suggestion of Mont- 
gomery. This increase of rank, however, aggravated the 

* Family tradition. f Jour, of Cong., v. ii, p. 17, Jan. 9, 1776. 

t American Archives. 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 137 

tediousness of captivity; as he was exceedingly anxious to 
serve his country in that more extended sphere, vi^hich this 
commission entitled him to assume. 

As soon as he became convalescent, his first inquiry was 
after the expert director of the gun, which had given him so 
much trouble, in order to cultivate his acquaintance. He 
found that this piece had been in charge of a clock-maker 
of eminence in the town, who in his expertness, had suffi- 
ciently proved that his talents as an engineer, were of no 
mean rank, whatever might have been his skill in horology.* 
After being discharged from the hospital, Maj. Lamb joined 
the party of officers confined in the seminary,! who had 
every indulgence from the Governor, which they could rea- 
sonably expect. Still confinement was irksome, and they 
formed a scheme to escape.J By the aid of some friendly 
citizens, they had opened a communication with our troops 
without; and had digested a plan. This plan was commu- 
nicated to Gov. Carleton, who took his measures accordingly. 
No notice was given to the prisoners, that their design had 
been disclosed; but every avenue of escape was secured, and 
the garrison so disposed, that the effisrt would have been ren- 
dered fruitless to all, and utterly destructive of the greater 
part. Thus in a false security ,§ the prisoners awaited the 
signal: fortunately, an honest baker, who had supplied them, 
had acquired a knowledge of the preparation of the garrison; 
and stationing himself beneath one of the windows of the 
prison, attracted the notice of those within. To these he 
made known that their plot had been betrayed to the Gover- 
nor, and the measures taken to destroy them, in the attempt 
to carry it into effect.|| 

How far this scheme of punishing in so sanguinary a man- 
ner, a very natural effort on the part of the prisoners to set 
themselves at liberty, squares with the character of the Go- 
vernor for humanity on other occasions, it would be difficult 
to decide; and certainly, the premeditated destruction of so 

•Family tradition. t Idem. tWem. § Idem. |lldem. 

18 



138 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

many brave men, whose escape might have been prevented, 
with safety to the garrison, without this wholesale slaughter; 
wants an excuse beyond the ordinary suggestions of self 
preservation. 

Of the detachment of Lamb's company, who had followed 
him to the storm, many were natives of the mother country, 
and threats, and blandishments were profusely used, to in- 
duce them to enlist in the British regiments.* The bravery 
which these good fellows had displayed, was a strong induce- 
ment to obtain their service, and no art was left untried, to 
coax or threaten them into enlistment. Thirteen of those 
who were taken yielded, and took service under the Royal 
flag;! though four of these did so, to enable them to get a 
chance for escape, and to join their old standard, which they 
did soon afterwards.J Some of the prisoners of the other 
companies also had been won by similar inducements, and 
when it became known to the officers, they expressed their 
disapprobation. Maj. Lamb, and Lieut. Steele, of the Penn- 
sylvania Riflemen, were more violent and vociferous in their 
denunciation of these backsliders, than any others ;§ and in 
their vehemence in behalf of the cause which they had es- 
poused, probably lost sight of the bounds of strict prudence, 
in the language used on the occasion. This was deemed so 
offiensive, that Col. Maclean was instructed to write them the 
following letter : 

Quebec, January 30, 1776. 
Gentlemen : 

Gen. Carleton is very much surprised to hear, that you 
make use of improper language, respecting the unfortunate 
disputes between the Mother Country and her Colonies; par- 
ticularly, your upbraiding some of the poor, unfortunate de- 
luded people, who were taken prisoners with you, on the 31st 
December, in finding fault with their conduct, for their hav- 
ing now engaged to serve their King and Country. 

1 will venture to say, that it will give Gen. Carleton, and 
those under his command, great pleasure to show you all the 

* Lamb papers, N. Y. His. Soc, f Idem. }Idem. § Idem. 



1 



I 



I 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 139 

marks of good nature, and humanity, that the situation of the 
garrison will admit of; but it will be out of his power to do 
that, if you, gentlemen, shall persist in holding a language, 
that is both indecent, and improper, in your present situa- 
tion. It is also desired, that you will not be holding any con- 
versation with the guard or sentries set over you, as it can 
answer no good end to you, and may be of bad consequences. 
I am. Gentlemen, 

Your most obedient servant, 

Allan Maclean,* 
To Messrs. Lamb, and Steele. 

It is probable that the rhetorical powers of both these gen- 
tlemen, were not again exercised, to the annoyance of the 
Governor. The mischief had been done; farther objurgation, 
was neither necessary or prudent, and the Governor being 
content with expressing his displeasure through Col. Maclean, 
took no farther notice of the affair, and made no discrimina- 
tion between them and the others. The whole conduct of 
that officer, (if his silence on discovering the design to es- 
cape, be not an exception), was marked by great humanity, 
and kindness. The heroic daring displayed during the as- 
sault of the lower town, won his admiration and regard; and 
he took pleasure in administering to the comforts of men, 
who had exhibited those qualifications, which never fail to 
command the respect of a veteran soldier. The French in- 
habitants of the town, were favorably disposed towards the 
American cause, and did what they could, and were permitted 
to do, to soften the sorrows, and amuse the minds of the pri- 
soners. The Bishop of Quebec sent them books, for their 
more sedate hours, and a supply of playing cards for their 
lighter amusements. Yet still the " bitter draught" of cap- 
tivity brought with it, its usual concomitants. Discontents, 
murmurings, querulous complaints, and even bickerings be- 
tween officers of different corps. Maj, Meigs, in allusion to 
some of these, in a letter to Lamb, after his return says, " I 
believe that nothing under Heaven, ruins the mind of man, 
equal to long and severe imprisomnent." 
* Lamb papers, N. Y. His. Soc. 



1 



140 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

But if such be the general effects of captivity, there are 
many exceptions : for on this occasion, Maj. Lamb formed 
some ardent friendships, which endured to the last of his life. 
At Quebec, he first met Arnold, who, in courage and daring, 
was a kindred spirit; side by side with him, and with his ac- 
complished comrade Oswald, with Morgan, Greene, Thayer, 
Heth, Meigs, Febiger, Porterfield, and Steele, he had done 
and witnessed deeds which had endeared them to him forever, 
and which had excited corresponding emotionslin them; and 
with these, until the monstrous derilection of the first; and 
the death of some of the others dissolved it, he continued to 
cherish to the day of his death, this friendship formed in se- 
vere adversity.* 

The failure of the attack on Quebec began now to be felt 
in all its consequences. Arnold still continued the blockade, 
but with a force not able to maintain it, had Carleton pushed 
a sortie from the garrison, which doubled the number of the 
effective men of the blockade. These were ill supplied with 
necessaries. The military chest being exhausted, and the 
credit of the Colonies, which had been freely used at Mont- 
real by Montgomery, was no longer available. Resort was 
therefore had to the issue of the paper currency supplied by 

* There was a galaxy of brave spirits at Quebec, and most of them rose 
to eminence in the service. The fame of Morgan is universal ; Greene 
acquired great reputation at the defence of Red Bank, on the Delaware, 
and was killed near the Croton, in 1781 ; Thayer immortalized himself, 
by sustaining the defence of Fort Mifflin, after Col. Smith was disabled; 
Meigs led a successful expedition against Sag Harbor, in 1777, and was 
at the head of his regiment at the storm of Stoney Point, under Wayne. 
Febiger was a foreign officer, and held a sub-altem's commission in the 
Danish service; after his exchange, he was appointed Lieut. -Colonel of 
the 11th Virginia regiment, and led it at the assault of Stoney Point; 
Porterfield, like Febiger, was a volunteer, and after his exchange, raised 
a company at his own expense, and was commissioned in the Virginia 
line; in leading a regiment, of which he was Lieut. -Colonel Command- 
ent, he was killed at the battle of Camden; Heth was an officer of dis- 
tinction, and kept a journal of the events of the war, which has been of 
use to Marshall, and many other historians. Neither Thayer, or Steele, 
were correspondents of Lamb, and of their career the writer is uninformed. 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 141 

Congress, and the circulation was extended as far as possi- 
ble, and to the disgust of the Canadian population. 

If any reinforcements reached the camp, the relief was 
ineffectual; and the constantly expiring engagements of the 
men, who were not backward in claiming their discharge as 
soon as they were entitled to it, thinned his ranks of ser- 
viceable men, to replace them with raw and undisciplined 
levies. Disease also did its share to weaken the invaders. 
But the most fatal effect of the disasters of the thirty-first 
December, was the loss of confidence, which it occasioned 
in the Canadian inhabitants, in regard to the ultimate suc- 
cess of the invasion. This would have been otherwise, if 
secure within the walls of Quebec, and well supported, as in 
that event they probably would have been, by an army com- 
petent to keep possession of the province, the Americans 
had seemed in a situation to protect their allies for the past, 
and to secure them from the consequences of future delin- 
quencies. But the reverse of the case was so apparent, that 
their zeal in the cause of the invaders was hourly on the 
decline; and the Bostonois, whom the Canadian peasantry 
had looked upon as friends and deliverers, began to be viewed 
as intruders. Even the Seigneurs themselves, could not help 
considering them as dangerous connections, and began to 
despair in their hopes and expectations of benefit from the 
invasion. 

Gov. Carleton was well aware of the combined causes of 
the weakness of his adversaries, and of the inevitable con- 
sequences which would result from them; and therefore con- 
tented himself with inactivity within the walls; trusting to 
the elements of dissolution which were wasting the army of 
the Colonies, as effectual means of raising the seige. A 
small detachment was indeed sent from the garrison, to give 
countenance to an insurrection of the friendly Canadians on 
the other side of the river, and it crossed over to the south 
side, to beat up the American station there.* But the vigi- 
* Marshall. 



142 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

lance and activity of Arnold, defeated this scheme. He sur- 
prised and routed them, taking several prisoners.* To make 
show of activity, rather than with the hope of any serious 
advantage with such incompetent artillery, Arnold repaired 
his batteries, and commenced a fire upon the town; but the 
best part of his artillerists had been taken prisoners, and 
very little effect took place from the shot or shells expended 
on the occasion. 

Gen. Wooster arrived from Monti-eal on the 1st April, and 
Arnold, who the day after his arrival w^as disabled by the 
falling of his horse ;f as soon as he was in condition to 
march, returned to Montreal, and took the command of that 
place.| A fortnight had not elapsed, before Wooster, on 
the 15th April, was superseded in command by the arrival 
of Gen. Thomas. The mouth of the St. Lawrence was now 
clear of ice, and symptoms of the breaking up of the river 
began to manifest themselves. Reinforcements from Eng- 
land were below, and Gen. Carleton resolved on active ope- 
rations. He sallied from the town at the head of one thou- 
sand men, and the Americans being too feeble to resist him, 
on the 6th May, 1776, retired towards Montreal, leaving 
the sick and the stores of the army behind them.§ Disasters 
seemed to crowd upon the provincial forces. Col. Bedel, 
who had been stationed at the Cedars, forty miles above 
Montreal, with four hundred men and two pieces of artillery, 
having notice that a company of regulars, and a large force 
of Indians meditated an attack upon him; instead of sending 
a messenger to Arnold for reinforcements, and defending his 
post in person; thought proper to be himself the messenger; 
leaving a most incompetent substitute in command.|| This 
cowardly officer, intimidated by threats of massacre by the 
Indians, although he had sufficient force and means of de- 
stroying the assailants, surrendered without firing a gun:1I 
and a reinforcement of one hundred men, despatched by Ar- 
nold in advance, while he followed in person with a larger 

•Marshall. fldem. J Idem. ^Idem. ||Idem. tidem. 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 143 

force, was attacked on the route, and compelled to surrender. 
Another unfortunate affair occurred at Three Rivers, where 
Gen. Thompson, with Col. Irvin and two hundred men, were 
taken.* These two losses threw a heavy balance of prisoners 
in favor of the enemy, and diminished the prospect of the 
speedy exchange of those who were taken at the storm; 
who after the retreat of Thomas, no longer enjoyed the com- 
fortable thought that their friends were near them: and de- 
prived of the cheering influence of their proximity, " stone 
walls and iron bars " became indeed a dungeon to them. 

While Arnold was playing upon the town, the voice of 
his artillery was music to their ears; and whenever a shell 
burst within the walls, though an unwelcome visitor to all 
others, and might even threaten destruction to them, the 
dangerous missile was hailed as a messenger of joy. Now 
all was silent in that quarter; and the pouring in of rein- 
forcements to the garrison, at the opening of the river, gave 
a death blow to all hope of release for themselves, and created 
great fears for the safety of the whole Provincial army. 

* Marshall. 



144 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 



1 



CHAPTER X. 

Prisoners apply for Release on Parole. — Negociation. — Effected by in- 
terposition of Foreign Officers. — Arrival in Bay of New York. — The 
Great Fire, — Lamb reports himself at Head Quarters. — To Congress. 
— Promoted. — Ordered to raise a Regiment. — Oswald, Lieut. -Colonel. 
— Officers from New Haven — Other Parts of Connecticut. — Sons of 
Liberty. — Mott. — Wiley. — Robert Troup. — General Knox. — Paul Re- 
vere, — Sears. — Major Ebenezer Stevens, 

Some of the officers had applied for and obtained permis- 
sion to return home on parole, and had taken their depart- 
ure. The remainder resolved to ask similar indulgence, 
which was done in the following letter to the Governor: 

May it please your Excellency: 

Impressed with a just sense of your Excellency's humani- 
ty and benevolence, and urged by the peculiarity of our pre- 
sent disagreeable situation, being destitute of friends and 
money; we beg leave to request, that your Excellency will 
condescend to take our case into consideration; and grant us 
relief, by permitting us to return to our respective homes on 
parole, which we shall ever deem sacred; assuring your Ex- 
cellency, that we shall make it a point to surrender ourselves 
to such of His Majesty's officers, when and where your Ex- 
cellency may think proper to direct; unless we should be 
released from our parole by an exchange of prisoners; should 
such an event take place, we entreat your Excellency that 
we may be included. 

Being likewise sensibly touched with the deplorable state 
of our men, who remain prisoners at present; we take the 
liberty to recommend them to your Excellency's considera- 
tion; earnestly soliciting that some measures may be taken 
for their relief. And we should be extremely happy if they 
could possibly return to their families, many of whom, must 
be reduced to the greatest distress. 



I 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 145 

Your Excellency's compliance will be esteemed a singular 
favor, and ever gratefully acknowledged, by 
Your Excellency's most obedient 

and very humble servants, 

Christopher Greene, 
John Lamb, 

And thirty-three others. 
Seminary, Quebec, 7th June, 1776.* 

The Governor objected to the closing sentence of the first 
paragraph, relating to the possibility of being exchanged, 
and sent the letter back to be altered. This was done, and 
the form of the parole to be exacted of them was given. 
The word " hereafter" was used in such context with the 
other parts respecting future service, that the prisoners 
thought a forced construction might preclude them from 
again taking up arms; particularly as the sentence in their 
application, having special reference to the right of future 
action in case of exchange, had been expunged; they, there- 
fore, begged that the word might be omitted. The Governor 
declined to vary the parole, alleging that Major Meigs and 
Captain Dearborn had signed similar pledges; and an alter- 
ation in the present case, might be the means of creating in- 
vidious remarks, prejudicial to those officers.f But the mat- 
ter was so strongly urged, that through the kind influence of 
Colonel Foy, the deputy adjutant-general, the request was 
complied with,| on the 2d August; and with joyful hearts, 
the parole being given, the prisoners, after six months dreary 
confinement, prepared to revisit their homes. 

Option being given them as to the point of debarkation in 
America, Boston, or a point as nearly in its vicinity as cir- 
cumstances would warrant, was the place chosen. On the 

*Lamb papers, N. Y. His. Soc. 

t Lamb papers, N. Y. His. Soc. 

t Their release on parole and subsequent exchange, were much accele- 
rated by the foreign officers in the British service; who, being liable to 
capture by the Americans, were anxious to establish facilities of which 
they might, in the casualties of war, be compelled to avail themselves. 
19 



1 



146 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

— day of August, Major Lamb, his second lieutenant, An- 
drew Moodie, and fifteen of his trusty followers, embarked 
on board a transport; but the passage was long and tedious, 
and the destination being changed from Boston to New 
York, it was not imtil the twentieth of September, that the 
vessels arrived on the Jersey coast.* On board some of the 
transports, the " insolence of office" of the cockney skippers 
had severely tried the patience of those who had been sub- 
jected to its influence; but Major Lamb and his comrades 
had the good fortune to meet with a very humane and con- 
siderate commander; and this conciliatory conduct stood him 
in good stead, for the length of the passage had exhausted 
his stores and those of the fleet; but owing to the favorable 
report of his passengers, he was liberally supplied by the 
patriotic Jerseyraen, at the cheapest rates, while his less 
humane countrymen, met with usage commensurate with 
their churlishness; and if supplied at all, were made to pay 
in extortionate prices, the penalty of their brutality .f 

The ship arrived in the bay, on the 23d September, while 
the great fire was raging in New York; and as the flames 
cast their broad light over the water. Major Lamb paced the 
quarter-deck, rubbing his hands in ecstasy and exclaiming, a 
glorious sight ! The master of the vessel was much surprised 
at these manifestations of joy, where he expected a diiferent 
sentiment; and expressed his astonishment, that any person 
could rejoice at the conflagration of his native city; pai'ticu- 
larly, one whose chief property lay within reach of the de- 
struction. Let the whole perish, was the reply, rather than 
the city should afford quarters to the enemy, and a point from 
which our armies can be most annoyed. As soon as he 
landed in New Jersey, he was fortunate enough to meet an 
old customer who owed him two hundred pounds. This the 
debtor was not only willing to pay, but having a larger sura 
with him, and in the unsettled state of the times, fearful of 

*Lanib papers, N. Y. His. Soc. t Family tradition. 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 147 

being plundered, he persuaded Major Lamb to take it on 
loan. From these sources, he was enabled to supply the 
exigencies of his brother officers, and to furnish his soldiers 
with the means of reaching their several homes. 

Immediately on landing, he repaired to General Washing- 
ton's army at Kingsbridge, and reported himself; soliciting 
the influence of the Commander-in-Chief with Congress, to 
hasten his exchange. He then joined his family at Stratford 
in Connecticut, to which place they had removed on the 
evacuation of the city, and tenanted the house of an old friend 
and fellow soldier, Robert Walker. He gave himself few 
moments of repose in the bosom of his family; for anxious 
to be released from his parole, and burning with desire to 
join the army now removed to White Plains, and in mo- 
mentary expectation of a battle, he on the 25th November 
addressed the following memorial to Congress, to urge on if 
possible the desired event, which would enable him to share 
in the conflicts which were approaching: 

To the Honorable Congress of the United States of America. 
Gentlemen: 

Altho' the Enemy have, contrary to my expectations, 
liberated me from the dreary Horrours of a Prison, and suf- 
fered me to return to my family and friends, I am still subject 
to their power and controul; liable to be called upon by them 
to surrender myself a prisoner whenever they please; and 
restrained by the sacred ties of honour from drawing my 
sword again in defence of my country 'till exchanged for 
some officer of theirs. Extremely anxious to be relieved 
from this truly painful and disagreeable situation, I waited 
on General Washington immediately after my arrival from 
Quebec, earnestly soliciting his interest with your Honours 
for that purpose. But as I have not yet heard that such an 
event has taken place, owing I imagine to the critical situa- 
tion of the two armies; I take the liberty to address your 
Honours on that subject, humbly requesting that I may be 
included in the next exchange of Prisoners. And as I have 
unfortunately been prevented by the Fate of W^ar from taking 
up arms again this campaign, in support of the Freedom and 
Independence of the American States; and being conscious 



148 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

of having done no more than my duty in my former exertions 
for the public good, I can have no claim to your Honours' 
particular attention. Yet as I have be6n formerly honored 
with your approbation of my conduct, and a singular mark 
of your confidence, by an appointment to the Chief Command 
of the Artillery in the Northern Department; I flatter myself 
that I have not been neglected by your Honours in the new 
arrangement of the Corps of Artillery. 

I have the honor to be, 

With every sentiment of Gratitude, 
Duty and "Respect, 
Gentlemen, 

Your Most Obedient 

and very Humble Servant, 
John Lamb.* 

Congress took notice of this memorial, as will appear by 
the following extract from their journals: 

" FRroAY, Nov. 29, 1776. 

" A petition from Major John Lamb was read: Wliereupon 
Resolved, That the General be directed to include Major 
Lamb, in the next exchange of Prisoners." — Jour. Cong., 
vol. 2, page 479. 

Thus secure of the influence of the representatives of the 
nation, he returned to Stratford to content himself as best he 
could, with his present inaction. His heart was however 
with the army, and with his compatriots in that disastrous 
campaign; which seemed utterly fatal to the patriot cause, 
until it was redeemed by the heroic achievement of Washing- 
ton at Trenton, on the 25th December. 

Scarce had the news of this victory reached him, when he 
received the following letter, written by the order of Wash- 
ington, on the scene of his glory, as he was preparing for 
another harvest of laurels, on the field of Princeton : 

Trenton, Jan'y 2, 1776, [1777.] 
Sir: I have the pleasure to acquaint you, that Gen. Howe 
has consented to your exchange, and sent out the parole which 

* Lamb papers. 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 149 

you gave Gen. Carleton. His Excellency, Gen. Washing- 
ton, wishes to provide for you in proportion to your great 
merits, and wishes to see you as soon as possible. 
I am Sir with 

esteem, your most 
ob & hble serv't, 

H. Knox, 
Commanding the 
Major Lamb. Artillery of the U. States.* 

Agreeably to this mandate, Maj. Lamb hastened to join the 
army at Morristown, to which place, after the affair at Prince- 
ton, it had removed; and had tlie gratification of receiving a 
commission from Congress, appointing him Lieut.-Colonel, 
Commandant of Artillery, which was afterwards changed to 
a full colonelcy. He soon received his instructions from 
Gen. Knox, dated 22d January, 1777, and was vested with 
power to appoint under him, one major, six captains, and 
twenty-five subalterns, subject to the negative of the Com- 
mander-in-Chief. 

There is good reason to believe that Gen. Arnold, who was 
at head quarters, a short time before the battle of Princeton, 
sustained to the uttermost, Maj. Lamb's application for ex- 
change, and his appointment to immediate service. No man 
was a better judge of military merit; and the evidence of the 
necessary qualification for command, which he had witnessed 
during the siege of Quebec, and the gallant bearing of Maj. 
Lamb, on the morning of the storm, ensured his influence at 
head-quarters. He also did his best to promote the wishes 
and the interests of his friend, and Secretary Oswald, who . 
led the forlorn hope at Quebec, after the Commander was 
disabled; and Col. Lamb was much gratified at the assign- 
ment of that brave and capable officer to his regiment, as 
Lieut.-Colonel.f 

The regiment was to be recruited in Connecticut, and the 
principal part of the officers, within his appointment, were 

*Lamb papers, N. Y. His. Soc. fLamb papers. 



150 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

selected from that state, and quite a number from New Ha- 
ven, the residence of Arnold.* 

Samuel Mansfield, the brother of the deceased wife of the 
General, was made a captain; John R. Throop, who had mar- 
ried a sister of Mrs. Arnold, received a subaltern's commis- 
sion, as did Stephen Ailing, John Miles, Peter Woodward, 
and Timothy Mix, all of New Haven. Samuel Webb, father 
of one of the editors of the Courier and Enquirer, afterwards 
a member of the military family of the Commander-in-Chief; 
and Caleb Brewster, an active officer, entrusted with secret 
intercourse with Long Island, and commander of a successful 
enterprise, in which an armed vessel of the enemy was cap- 
tured on the Sound; together with Samuel Lockwood, of 
Stamford, who had done excellent service in capturing the 
fleet of Carleton, at Sorel, and who was taken at the storm 
of Quebec, were among the selections from Connecticut.! 

Col. Lamb was ever ready to secure the services of men 
who had proved themselves true in times of peril. Gershom 
Mott was one of the associated Sons of Liberty, and was with 
Lamb on the important Committees of 1765, and 1774; posts 
which none coveted, who were not brave enough to encoun- 
ter the hazardous duties assigned them. This gentleman had 
been a captain in the first, or McDougall's regiment, in service 
in the Northern Campaign, and was at Quebec until the re- 
treat in April, 1777; he had claims to promotion, but was 
disappointed in the reorganization of the regiments, and ac- 
cepted the offer of a company under Col. Lamb.| Nor was 
he less mindful of his former associates in the field of battle. 
Isaiah Wool, who had remained in command of his company 
after his capture; and Andrew Moodie, his lieutenant, taken 
with him at Quebec, each received a captaincy; and Joseph 
Ashton, his first sergeant, and Peter Nestle, a matross, both 
prisoners with him, at the same place, were made subalterns.§ 
Nestle had been one of those who had taken service with 
Gov. Carleton, at Quebec, and had received with others, the 

* Lamb papers, N. Y. His. Soc, t Idem. t Idem. f Idem, 



a 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 15 i 

severe reprobation of his former captain; but the faithful fel- 
low was only practising a ruse, in order to escape, and join 
the company at Montreal; which he did, and served with 
fidelity and zeal until he was discharpjed; nor had Col. Lamb 
any occasion to blush for the officers of his selection, for all 
performed good service to the country. 

Another of his tried associates was Jolm Wiley,* to whom 
he offered a captain's commission, and for some time kept it 
at his disposal, in hope certain domestic arrangements might 
be satisfactorily adjusted, so as to enable him to accept it. 
The estimation in which that gentleman was held by his 
friends, was such, that many young officers were desirous of 
serving imder him; and Robert Troup, who had been ap- 
pointed by Gen. Knox, a captain-lieutenant in Lamb's re- 
giment, and had relinquished his service in Col. Livingston's 
regiment, in order to join it; wrote to Col. Lamb requesting 
as a particular favor, that he might be assigned to the com- 
pany of Capt. Wiley ;t but in consequence of his declension, 
Mr. Troup was arranged into another company, where he con- 
tinued, until his appointment on the staff of Gen. Gates shortly 
after.f 

In obedience of the orders of General Knox, Colonel Lamb 
proceeded to Fishkill, on the 10th April, where he remained 

* Grandfather of John Wiley, bookseller, of Broadway. This gentle- 
man was distinguished for his patriotism and intrepidity, and was fore- 
most among those, who, after the Declaration of Independence was pro- 
claimed in the city, tore down, in open day, the leaden statue of George 
the Third, from its pedestal in the Bowling Green. 

In 1781, Doctor Halstead, the brother-in-law of Maj. Wiley, was taken 
from his residence, at Elizabethtown, by a marauding party of the British, 
and confined in the city prison, under Cunningham. As soon as Maj. 
Wiley was made acquainted with this capture, he gave notice to some of 
the leading friends of the British, in New Jersey, that if his brother was 
not immediately released, he would retaliate upon them, and send them 
to the camp as hostages. The threat was effectual, and the prisoners, who 
had been in close confinement, on bread and water, were liberated. — Pa- 
pers N. Y. Hit. Soc. 

t Lamb papers, N. Y. His. Soc. | Idem. 



1 



l02 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

for some time, arranging the affairs of his regiment. The 
intercourse consequent upon this official consultation, was 
productive of warm and confidential friendship between the 
parties; and General Knox found his subordinate possessed 
of a knowledge of details and practice in his department, of 
which he did not scruple to avail himself, and he was in- 
debted to Colonel Lamb for recommending * and forwai'ding 
to him some 'useful works, which had not, until then, met his 
observation. From that time, until the close of the cam- 
paign of 178 1, all the communications which passed between 
them, lost in some degree their official character, and as- 
sumed the guise of friendly intercourse, between minds, 
which congenial sentiments and piu"suits, had brought to 
close affinity. 

When Colonel Lamb reached home, after this visit, he 
caused his family to be removed from Stratford to Southing- 
ton, a town twenty-two miles inland, and north of New 
Haven ; while Lieutenant-Colonel Oswald was stationed 
at the latter place, with such recruits as he had been enabled 
to collect. Immediately after receiving his orders to recruit, 
and even before he had obtained the necessary funds from 
the government; Colonel Lamb racked his own credit, and 
that of his friends, to obtain money to fill up his companies. 
Hearing that men might be raised at the eastward, and that a 
very accomplished musician might be obtained at Providence ; 
Colonel Oswald was dispatched to secure this man, and to 
forward the enlistments. Arriving at Providence, on the 
16th February, Oswald found that the fifer had been recently 
promoted to a majority in the line of the army, and conse- 
quently, as he wrote, " above that business."! Here he fell in 
with General Arnold, on the road to Boston; who, upon be- 
ing made acquainted of the failure of the government to fur- 
nish funds for enlistment, offered the loan of one thousand 
pounds; and sent to Colonel Lamb an order on his sister 
Hannah, who had taken charge of his family after the death 

* Lamb papers, N. Y. His. Soc. t Idem. 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 153 

of his wife. This was accepted, and that excellent and pa- 
triotic woman, advanced with alacrity, the money, which 
was to be so worthily expended.* 

At this time, he received a letter from Lieut.-Colonel Paul 
Revere, one of his old and valued associates of 1765 and 
1774, who had been the confidential messenger from the 
Boston Committees to their friends abroad; in which he 
mentions others of the fraternity in the following terms: 
" Pray tell good Mr. Holt, it is not in my power to procure 
him a journeyman. Friend Sears is here, a very merchant; 
in short, I find but few of the Sons of Liberty in the army."* 

After Oswald's return from the eastward. Colonel Lamb, 
on the 7th April, joined his family at Southington, leaving 
the affairs of the regiment to his lieutenant. The filling of 
this, was not so speedily accomplished as he had expected. 
For three companies, which had been enlisted in Massachu- 
setts and Rhode Island, by Major Ebenezer Stevens, were at 
first considered as belonging to him;t and it was not until 
after the march of that oflEicer to Ticonderoga, at the head of 
these men, that he was undeceived on that subject. 

* Lamb papers, N, Y. His. Soc. t Idem. 



20 



154 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 



CHAPTER XI. 

Tryon's first Invasion of Connecticut. — Lands at Cedar Point. — Burns 
Danbury. — Retreat. — Death of Wooster. — Arnold at Ridgefield. — At 
Saugiituck Kiver. — Battle at Ridgefield and Compo. — Lamb at CompO/ 
— Attempt to Storm Field Pieces. — Wounded. — Hospital. — Fortitude 
of TraviSj a young Militia Officer. — 1777. 

The removal from Stratford to Southington, was fortunate 
for the family of Colonel Lamb, as they escaped the dangers 
of Tryon's invasion. 

For several days, the armament which he commanded, 
was seen in the Sound, and the inhabitants of every accessi- 
ble point supposed themselve to be the objects of attack. At 
length, with a heavy force of ships, and two thousand men, 
the ex-governor of New York, who had accepted the com- 
mission of Major General of Provincials, reached Cedar 
Point, four or five miles eastward of Norwalk on the 25th 
April, and debarking his forces on the neighboring beach, 
he prepared to march for Danbury, a distance of twenty -three 
miles. 

One of the ships of war, in coming into the bay, struck on 
a ledge of rocks off Raymond's Point. The pilot on board 
was a refugee tory, and the commander of the ship was about 
to order him hanged at the yard arm; but as he had the good 
luck to show from the charts on board, that such a reef was 
not laid down on any of them, and that it was till then un- 
known, he was let off. He had, however, the infamous dis- 
tinction of giving a name to the place, which is called Tory 
Reef, to this day. 

As the troops were debarking, a crowd was discovered 
about a house near the line of march which they intended to 
adopt, and several cannon shot were directed to that point, 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 155 

one of which striking the house,* the people near it dis- 
persed. Some few scattering shots were fired at the inva- 

* This house, which was made a temporary hospital after the retreat of 
the British, was situated on what was long known as the Hazard farm; 
some years since the property of Judge John Q. Wilson, late of Fairfield 
county, "Connecticut; whose father attended the wounded, as surgeon, 
after the retreat of the British. It was in early youth, the residence of 
the Hon. James Kent, who has so worthily filled the highest judicial of" 
fices of the state. A man, who for his great talents, moral worth, and un- 
sullied honor, is justly the pride, not only of his native state, but that of 
his adoption. 

I am highly indebted to Judge Wilson for many details, and for a dia- 
gram of the battle fields, which enable me to correct the published ac- 
counts. In addition, he has kindly furnished me an anecdote of Judge 
Kent, which is worthy of commemoration, and which can not be better 
done, than by giving it in Judge Wilson's own language : 

" His (the Chancellor's) early recollections rested on the farm, and its 
vicinity: and he often spoke of them, when visiting at our house. In 
1832, during the cholera season, in company with Mrs. Kent, he came 
over from Stratford, where they were staying, to pay us a visit ; while 
sitting on the front piazza, with the beach in full view, among a variety 
of remembrances, he spoke of the landing of the British, and of the man 
being killed by a musket ball, fired from the lot bounded by the beach •, a 
distance of three-quarters of a mile; and he seemed surprised, when told 
that the post behind which the man lay, was still standing, with the bal 
hole in it, which was pointed out to him, across the creek. 

" Well," said he, " now I will tell you of another incident, which you 
never heard of. ((Jreat as he was in great affiiirs, he never lost in con- 
versation, the arch simplicity, and cheerfulness of youth.) My mother 
sent me up stairs, in the old house, that then stood over yonder by the 
gate, for a gun, and bayonet, that was in the back room near the chim- 
ney. They built all the chimneys in those days of stone, in the centre of 
the house. While I was in search of the gun, there came a cannon ball, 
from the direction of the beach, in at the south side of the house, between 
the windows of the second story; it passed through the front room, and 
entered the chimney, directly opposite to the spot on which I stood. I 
believe my mother was the most frightened of the two, when she called 
me down, and we all retreated. I never applied for a pension for this, 
my revolutionary service ; but I have heard the crash of a cannon ball, and 
the world, may be, is indebted to that old chimney for Kent's Commen- 
taries." 

This occurrence of the ball, had been told me by an old man named 
Disbrow, who was present at the time; but this was the first that I had 



156 LIPE OF JOHN LAMB. 

ders, by those who were assembled, which being returned, 
as the column of the enemy advanced, a musket ball, passing 

heard of the escape of the embryo Chancellor. When the old house was 
taken down, in 1822, I requested Mr. Disbrow, whose son was in my em- 
ploy, to look for the ball, and the workmen found it buried deep in the 
stonework of the chimney, a few feet above the chamber floor. It was a 
nine pound shot, fired probably "fw ricochef] as it entered the chimney 
higher from the floor, than where it came in at the side of the house. 

When this ball was shown to the Chancellor, he was deeply moved. 
It seemed to awaken an impulse of feeling, connected with the memory 
of his mother, that made him sad. I intended to have had it placed in 
his carriage at his departure ; but his being hurried away, by the appear- 
ance of a rising thunder storm, it was forgotten. This was the last visit 
to my knowledge, that this great, and good man, ever made to the scenes 
of his childhood. In their details, I have perhaps been more particular 
than would seem to be necessary; but now, when we have so recently 
been informed, that his spirit has ascended to a world, the happiness of 
which, he has ever been so signally fitted to enjoy, every incident of his 
glorious and useful life, however minute, becomes interesting; and as 
every thing resting on memory is fading into forgetfulness, I supposed it 
might not be inappropriate to enable you to perpetuate that which other- 
wise would soon be entirely lost. 

The name of James Kent, requires no laurels to adorn it. His fame 
will be the rich inheritance of a late posperity, and future ages will not 
fail to cherish his memory. 

I am, with high esteem, 

Your friend, and servant, 

Albany, Dec'r 30, 1847, John Q. Wilson. 

Another great man had some share in the dangers of Compo ; this was 
the late Gov. Wolcott, of Connecticut, formerly Secretary of the Trea- 
sury, who, at the age of seventeen, was in the battle, when his file leader 
was shot through the head. This incident is mentioned in the excellent 
work, compiled by his grandson, George Gibbs, Esq., from the Wolcott 
papers. " In April, 1777, his studies were broken in upon, by a call to a 
less peaceful scene than the groves of Yale. He had gone to Litchfield, 
on a visit to his mother, his father being absent attending Congress, when 
the news arrived, that a large body of the British, under Tryon, had 
landed, and marched to Danbury, to destroy the continental stores. 
Awakened at midnight by the summons to repair to the rendezvous of the 
militia; he armed himself; and his mother, furnishing his knapsack with 
provisions, and a blanket, hastened his departure, and dismissed him with 
the charge "to conduct like a good soldier." — Mminist rations of Wash- 
ington, and Mams, from the Wolcott papers, by George Gibbs. 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 157 

through a post, behind which one of the Americans was sta- 
tioned, entered his head and killed him on the spot. 

No serious obstacles to the march could have been made 
by the few who were collected; but still unwilling to dis- 
perse without some show of resistance, they took post behind 
a stone fence, where the Compo road, passing west of the 
hill, entered the Boston road. Here, as the advance was 
about to debouche into the road, a volley was fired, which 
w^ounded several of the British, but the column pressing for- 
ward, the party was scattered, and the enemy marched with- 
out further molestation to Danbury. This place they reached 
at two o'clock, P. M., on the 26th of April* 

A handful of Continentals, then under the command of 
Colonel Cook, finding resistance useless, retreated, carryino- 
away with them such of the stores, as the suddenness of the 
attack enabled them to secure. The enemy lost no time in 
comn^encing the work of destruction. The houses, stores, 
and churches were fired; and the provisions and incombusti- 
ble munitions wasted, and emptied into the streets. On the 
26th, the work of devastation was soon effected, and the de- 
stroyers made preparations for a return to their ships next 
morning. 

Meanwhile the country was aroused, and Fairfield and 
the adjoining counties poured forth their minute men. Five 
hundred of these, under the command of General Silliman of 
the militia, commenced pursuit, and arrived at Reading, eight 
miles from Danbury, where he was joined by Generals 
Wooster and Arnold, who left New Haven immediately on 
receiving news of the invasion. An hundred men had 
gathered and joined them on the route ; and previous to their 
departure, Lieutenant-Colonel Oswald of Lamb's regiment, 
with such of the men of that regiment as had been recruited, 
with three field pieces, was ordered to march with all expe- 
dition to the scene of action.f 

* Barber's Pic. His. Conn. t Idem. 



158 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

The whole force assembled at Reading, was six hundred 
men; these, headed by Wooster, took up the march for 
Danbury, but a heavy rain setting in, which continued all 
tJie afternoon, their progress was retarded, and they did not 
reach Bethel, two miles from the enemy, until eleven o'clock 
at night, the men much fatigued and their muskets rendered 
unserviceable by the wet. A halt was as necessary as pru- 
dent, and preparations were made to put their arms in a ser- 
viceable condition, and to refresh the men. At the dawn of 
day, Wooster detatched Arnold with four hundred men, to 
cross the country and take post at Ridgefield, a place which 
the enemy must necessarily traverse in their retreat, while he 
with the residue of his men, should attack the flank and rear 
of the retiring columns.* 

The British began their retreat at nine in the morning 
of the 27th, and as soon as the rear-guard had begun to 
pass his position, which was upon their left flank, Wooster 
with his handful of men, not a tenth part of the force he was 
assailing, began the attack with great spirit and effect. The 
action was hotly sustained for some time, when the veteran 
leader, upwards of seventy years old, w^ho well maintained 
the reputation he had gained in former campaigns, was 
struck by a musket ball in the groin, and mortally wounded. 
The loss of their General, together with the appalling dis- 
parity of force, dispirited his men, and they retreated in 
disorder.! 

" The check which this movement had given to the retreat 
of the invaders, enabled Arnold, whose force was now in- 
creased to five hundred, to reach his post and choose a favoi^ 
able position at Ridgefield, on the crown of an eminence at 
the north end of the town. A house protected his right, 
while his left was covered by the high bank of the road. 
From these two points, a breastwork was thrown up for de- 
fence. At eleven o'clock the British column was seen ad- 

* Barber. f Idem. t Idem. 



1 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMR 159 

vancing with artillery in front and rear, and strong parties 
on each flank. The firing began from the field pieces of the 
enemy, which, when within striking distance, was followed 
up with a heavy discharge of musketry.| These were re- 
turned by the Provincials with spirit and alacrity. The ac- 
tion was sustained with great intrepidity for more than an 
hour, and until their temporary barrier was carried by the 
enemy, when a retreat was ordered. The rear guard, with 
Arnold at the head, received a volley of musketry when 
within a few yards, which did great execution. The Gene- 
ral's horse was shot under him, which falling on his knees, 
the rider still kept the saddle, when, as a soldier was ad- 
vancing to dispatch him with the bayonet, he drew a pistol 
from his holster and shot him dead. 

Joining his retreating forces, and finding farther resistance 
unavailing; Arnold resolved to retire down the Norwalk road, 
and to make a stand on the left bank of the Norwalk river, 
two miles above the bridge, to watch the motions of the 
enemy, and to cut off his retreat by Norwalk; and if he 
should endeavor to regain his shipping by the way he had 
advanced, to intercept him by crossing the Saugatuck bridge 
and keep him from retreat by the Compo road. The enemy 
had suffered much in their harrassed retreat, and they en- 
camped for the night, entrenching themselves on a strong 
position at Ridgefield.f 

In the course of the afternoon, Oswald, with part of two 
companies of Lamb's regiment and three field pieces, had 
joined Arnold on the Norwalk. Another gun, with a com- 
pany from Fairfield arriving, together with some volunteers, 
the congregated forces amounted to five hundred men. Col. 
Huntington of the Continental army, with the troops which 
had been stationed at Danbury, and the scattered forces of 
Wooster, with other militia who had joined him, was hang- 
ing on the rear of the British column, and sent to Arnold for 

* Barber. t Traditional history. 



160 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

advice and assistance. General Silliman was accordingly 
detached, with orders to fall upon the rear as soon as the 
enemy should be in motion. These orders were anticipated, 
for before Silliman could join, and as soon as the march was 
begun on the next day, Huntington commenced a brisk at- 
tack.* As the enemy's columns came in sight of Arnold's 
position, apprehending it too formidable for attack, they 
wheeled to the left and made for Saugatuck river, at a 
point at which it was fordable; and as Arnold, facing about, 
was making for the bridge over that river, for the purpose 
of cutting off the retreat, the British quickened their march 
in order to cross the road leading to the passage j before their 
retreat could be intercepted-! 

Arnold now advanced with all expedition to cross the 
bridge, and fall upon the right flank of the retreating column. 
This design was defeated by the extraordinary celerity of the 
enemy, who quickened their pace to a brisk trot, and suc- 
ceeded in passing the road, before the Provincials could defile 
on the bridge, and form on the other side of the river. The 
corps under Silliman and Huntington now joined, the whole 
were formed in two columns, with' two field pieces on each 
flank, and they pushed with spirit to attack the enemy's 
rear.J 

At this juncture, Colonel Lamb arrived on the ground. 
As soon as news of the invasion was scattered abroad, the 
militia began to assemble and to march to the point of dan- 
ger. Colonel Hugh Hughes of the quartermaster's depart- 
ment, then visiting his family in Connecticut, on furlough; 
happened to be in New Haven, and ascertaining that Oswald 
had marched the day before, posted to Southington with the 
news, well knowing that the commander of the artillery 
would not willingly be absent from the field, when his men 
were likely to be engaged. As he was approaching the 
house of the Colonel, he perceived his servant grooming his 

* Barber. f Idem. t Mem. 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. • 161 

horses, and knowing that they would soon be in requisition, 
he instructed the man to prepare them for the march with all 
dispatch. Arriving, he made known his intelligence, and as 
Lamb was hastening to the door to order his horses he was 
told that his wishes had been anticipated, and every thing in 
a state of preparation. In a few minutes they were in the 
saddle, and spurring with all haste to the scene of action. 

The distance was nearly sixty miles, and some delay occur- 
ring, they did not reach the ground until the attack on the 
second day was begun. Nearly at the same time, about two 
hundred volunteers had reached the field. Leaving to Oswald 
the charge of the artillery. Colonel Lamb assumed the com- 
mand of this detachment, who readily put themselves under 
his orders, and joined the battle with great gallantry. Col. 
Hughes in the meantime, seeking Arnold, volunteered his 
services as aid, and continued with him until the fight was over. 

The enemy, hard pressed in the retreat, pushed for Compo 
Hill, and having gained that favorable position for defence, 
they brought their artillery to the front, and made a stand; 
despatching messengers for a reinforcement from the fleet. 
Large bodies of sailors and marines were put in motion for 
the shore, and by means of these reinforcements, the harrassed 
troops were enabled to embark; while with fresh men, the 
British made good their position, notwithstanding every 
effort to dislodge them.* 

Four field pieces on the enemy's right, within an enclosure 
of stone-fence, most exceedingly annoyed the Provincials in 
that part where Lamb was engaged. Leaping from his horse, 
he proposed to the volunteers to carry them by storm. They 
readily assented, and advanced very bravely, receiving un- 
terrified the grape-shot which was plentifully showered 
around them. Lamb encouraged them onward, assuring 
them that they would soon be in possession of the pieces, and 
they advanced towards the fence with great resolution. On 
the point of scaling the wall, and when their leader, astride 

*Barber"s His. Conn. 

21 



162 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

the top, was waving them on with his sword, a grape-shot 
struck him obliquely, and passing the backbone, tore the 
flesh on the left side, and cast him on the ground; fortunately 
upon the side of the fence least exposed to the fire of the 
enemy, which was kept up with unabated fury. The men 
who had followed with so much intrepidity, now broke their 
ranks and fled in confusion.* 

For some time. Col. Lamb was stunned and incapable of 
moving; but recovering, he regained his legs, and slowly, 
from necessity, began a retreat. This he did, under a shower 
of musketry from several platoons who advanced towards the 
fence, and delivered their fire with hearty good will; but he 
reached the American lines without further injury. This 
unsuccessful attack terminated the battle; and the British 
were left to pursue their retreat. The fluctuations of the 
fight, had brought Arnold's corps near the spot where this 
charge was made; when Colonel Hughes, discovered a man 
mounted on the horse of his friend and riding from the field. 
Him he instantly dismounted and questioned with regard to 
the owner of the horse. The fugitive disclosed the issue of 
the attack on the guns, and the probable fate of Lamb, whom 
he had seen fall, and pointed towards the spot. The wounded 
colonel was found in the crowd, and by the assistance of 
Hughes, he gained the Hazard house near by, which was 
made a hospital for the occasion. 

The British were hotly pressed in this retreat by the small 
force of the Provincials, not at any time exceeding twelve 
hundred men; and had they not been able to secure so im- 
pregnable a position as Campo Hill to cover their reembarka- 
tion, their loss would have been more severe. They landed 
with sixty rounds to each man, and very little ammunition 
was expended in the advance, but on their arrival at the 
boats every cartouch-box was exhausted. General Tryon 
magnified the success of the expedition, and in his report 
returned Colonel Lamb as killed.f Perhaps " the wish was 

* Family tradition. tAlmon's Remembrancer. 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 163 

father to the thought." Wooster, whose advance upon New 
York, with the Connecticut troops, had been one of the causes 
of his hasty abdication, had fallen; and had Lamb, the most 
daring agitator and disturber of the Colonial government, 
shared the same destiny, the ci-devant Governor, might have 
considered the manifestations of fate much on his side. 

As Colonel Lamb was brought into the hospital, the sur- 
geon was preparing to operate upon a young militia officer, 
whose hand and wrist were badly lacerated by a musket 
shot. As he \vas baring his arm for the occasion, a British 
soldier, shot through the body, was brought into the apart- 
ment. Seeing the desperate situation of the wounded man, 
who appeared in great agony, the youth, pointing to the 
sufferer, exclaimed to the surgeon — That poor fellow wants 
your services more than I do; and proceeded to replace the 
handkerchief, with which he had stanched the blood of his 
crippled limb. He waited while the surgeon was examining 
the soldier, who was mortally wounded, and died in a few 
minutes; and then removing the bandage from his mangled 
arm, submitted to the amputation.* 

The wound of Colonel Lamb was more painful than dan- 
gerous; but he narrowly escaped death. Owing to a re- 
markable inward curvature of the spine, the bone escaped 
fracture; and the vital parts being protected by the flesh on 
both sides of the vertebrae, were uninjured, yet he was placed 
hors de combat for some weeks afterwards. After the wound 
was dressed, he was taken to the house of Mr. Simpson, 
temporarily resident of Norwalk, and afterwards to Colonel 
Deming's, at Fairfield. While there, he received an order 
from General Parsons to repair to New Haven, and take the 
command of that place, which had been, in the absence of 
General Arnold, confided to Lieut.-Colonel Oswald. As the 
letter is a pattern of military courtesy, it is inserted in full. 

• The name of this resolute and noble fellow, was Jacob Travis. He 
was a Lieutenant in the militia, and received a pension from govern- 
ment. — Family tradition. 



164 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

Hartford, 14th May, 1777. 
Sir: You repair to New Haven as soon as you can, and 
take command of the Continental battalions, or detachments 
which are, or shall arrive there, until some superior officer 
shall come in to command. You will, as soon as possible 
after you arrive at New Haven, order such of the troops as 
have had the small pox, to march to Peekskill, under the 
command of such officers as you shall order; the remaining 
parts are to be kept diligently to exercise and duty. All 
detachments coming in without arms, are to be supplied. 
Your humble servt. 

Sam'l. H. Parsons, B. Gen'l* 

This order was obeyed as soon as the removal of Colonel 
Lamb was considered prudent, and on the 18th May, he took 
command at New Haven.f 

* Lamb papers, N. Y. His Soc. tidem. 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 165 



CHAPTER XII. 

Recruiting. — Mott at Albany. — Gen. Gates. — Meigs's Expedition. — Put- 
nam's Design on Long Island. — Preparations for Descent. — Orders to 
Peekskill. — Gates's Intrigue. — Machinations against Schuyler and St. 
Clair. — Rumors in Camp. — Putnam's Manners repulsive. — Lamb di- 
rected to Fort Montgomery. — Applies for Active Command — Bur- 
goyne's Advance. — Camp Rumors. — Arnold. — Movements of Sir H. 
Clinton. — Forts Montgomery and Clinton. — Storm. — Defence. — Garri- 
soncut their Way through. — Geo. Clinton. — James Clinton. — Lamb. 
— Major Lush a Prisoner. — Scottish Volunteer. — Mr. Hamilton's Opi- 
nion of Defence. — Marshall's. — Court of Enquiry. 

Meanwhile, the officers which he had appointed were se- 
dulously engaged in recruiting; and agreeably to orders, as 
each company was filled, they were marched to Head Quar- 
ters. Captain Mott, who was recruiting at Albany, met 
with many difficulties from General Gates, who about that 
time had reached Albany, in command of the northern army; 
and had already began to exhibit the importance which the 
success of his manoeuvres had inspired. The intrigue against 
Washington was in full operation, and Gates, aware of the 
predilections of many of the officers who had served in the 
Canadian campaign, for Arnold, and consequently were fast 
friends of Washington, as the supporter of their favorite 
General; took much pains to chafe the irritability of Captain 
Mott, who was one of these, by ordering him on service to 
the north; thereby impeding the filling of the regiment of 
Colonel Lamb, who he well knew was inimical to his pre- 
tensions; and whose companies were destined for the camp 
at Head Quarters. The following extract of a letter from 
Capt. Mott, will exhibit the manner of the General, when 
he had no prospect of obtaining proselytes to his scheme; 
although his mode of address was very different, to those 
whose support he had hopes of gaining. 

Letter dated Albany,, 23d April, 1777: " The day before 
yesterday, General Gates, who arrived here a week since, 



166 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

sent for me and ordered me to be ready to march for Tie 
(Ticonderoga) the next day, as a guard for the twenty tons 
of powder, and to take all my officers with me. I asked him 
if it was his intention that we were to stay at Tie. Yes, 
says he; where the h-11 would you stay? I told him that I 
did not pretend to have any choice. Where, says he, did 
you expect to go? I told him I expected to have joined our 
own regiment in New Jersey, and expected orders for that 
purpose. Why, says he, it seems to me that you want to get 
as far out of the way as possible. I answered. You are mis- 
taken sir; my inclination has always been to go where I am 
ordered. Well, says he, you have your orders. He insulted 
me most grossly. 

" Yesterday, when I waited upon him for an order for arms, 
he was polite enough; and signified something like an inten- 
tion of my returning, when I had delivered the powder. 

" What an absurd step is this, to send four officers and 
fourteen men to Tie, where they can not recruit; where they 
can be of no service; where they are not wanted. To sepa- 
rate them two or three hundred miles from their regiment, 
by which means they will be deprived of their clothes, and 
indeed of every thing. For God's sake, extricate me out of 
this horrid situation, if possible."* 

An expedition was ordered by General Parsons, with part 
of his brigade, against Sag Harbor, on Long Island, which 
was committed to the care of Lieut.-Colonel Meigs, the fellow 
prisoner of Colonel Lamb, at Quebec. This was executed 
on the 23d May, with great brilliancy and success;! ^^^ Ge- 
neral Putnam, encouraged by the fortunate issue of this en- 
terprise, resolved upon one more extensive in its operation. 
To mask this design, orders were given, on the 1st June, to 
the commanders of the several stations, to dispatch all their 
troops to Peekskill, whatever might be the state of their 
equipments; and great care was taken to permit these orders 
to get into the public papers.f 

*Lamb papers, N. Y. His. Soc. fMarshall. |Lamb papers. 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 1 67 

Their meaning was explained, and the secret intentions 
of the expedition were disclosed to Colonel Lamb. The 
design was to concentrate all the troops in that quarter at 
New Haven, and Fairfield, and make a descent on Long Is- 
land, as a retaliatoiy measure to the expedition which had 
made such ravages at Danbury.* The pressing orders to 
march for Peekskill, on the 11th June, countermanded to 
White Plains; and the strict injunctions to provide whale 
boats, were fully understood; and Colonel Lamb remained at 
his post, notwithstanding the invitation of General Knox to 
head quarters, on business of importance; making every pre- 
paration for the intended descent; until the movements of 
Sir William Howe in the Jerseys, began to indicate the ap- 
proach of a general battle; W"hen the troops were ordered in 
earnest to Peekskill. Lieutenant-Colonel Oswald with part 
of the regiment was already there, and Colonel Lamb pre- 
pared to follow with the residue, as speedily as possible. 

The secret intrigue of Gates was prosecuted with great 
vigor, and no effort was spared to alarm the people of this 
and the eastern states; and to poison their minds by the 
most preposterous fabrications. Rumors as early as 16th 
June, had reached the camp, and were circulated from Fish- 
kill, of the defection and desertion of the northern generals,t 
and of the dispersion of our forces on the frontier. These 
were so confidently and extensively circulated, that when 
that excellent but unfortunate general, St. Clair, nearly a 
month afterwards, was forced by an overwhelming force 
from his untenable positions on Lake Champlain; the event 
was considered as confirmation of the absurd charge of 
treachery which had been previously brought against him. 

General Putnam, who commanded in the Highlands, was 
beyond doubt of the Gates faction; and if he was not ori- 
ginally inclined to hostility to the Commander in Chief, the 
influence of Col. Burr, his aid, whose inveteracy against 
Washington, was increased by some coldness or slight, which 
* Lamb papers, N. Y. His. Soc. f Idem. 



168 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

had driven him from the military family at head quarters, 
would have brought him over to the " monster faction." The 
rudeness of General Putnam's manners were repulsive to the 
feelings of many of his officers,* and as this was exhibited 
in a very aggravated degree, to those who were devoted to 
the Commander in Chief, their situation was rendered most 
uncomfortable. Lieutenant-Colonel Oswald was made to 
feel this in a very peculiar manner, and was provoked to the 
degree of resigning his commission. His confidential letters 
to Colonel Lamb, on the subject, speak in no reverential 
or affectionate terms of the old " bear hunter" in command.f 
On Colonel Lamb's arrival some days after, Oswald was in- 
duced to forego his purposed resignation, and remain at 
Peekskill; while Lamb, was on the 4th July, directed to take 
the command at Fort Montgomery.^ The inactivity of a 
post in garrison, while the grand army under Washington 
were on the alert in expectation of a general engagement, 
was not at all satisfactory, to a person as eager of service as 
Colonel Lamb; he therefore wrote to General Knox, and 
begged for more energetic employment in the field.§ This 
request was not complied with; but hopes were given him, 
of some future disposition, more favorable to his wishes. 

The enemy in order to conceal the intended operations of 
Burgoyne, at the north; and to prevent reinforcements to 
Schuyler from the main army, circulated reports of the with- 
drawal of all their forces from Canada, for the purpose of 
concentrating them at New York; and news had reached the 
cantonment at Fishkill, that leaving three hundred only on 
the Champlain and the St. Lawrence, the whole army had 
arrived and debai-ked on Staten Island.] | This rumor, was 
soon afterwards followed by another much nearer the truth ; 
which was, that a formidable invasion of the state was con- 
templated, on its northern and western frontier. U While Bur- 
goyne was to approach by the Champlain and Hudson, a 

* Lamb papers, N. Y. His. Soc. f Idem. J Idem. $ Idem. 
II Idem. tidem. 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 169 

central force of tories and Indians, were to lay waste the 
settlements on the Mohawk; and a third expedition, headed 
by the Chief Brant, from the head waters of the Susquehanna 
and Delaware, were to cooperate, and form a junction with 
the other two; at the same time that General Clinton, by a 
simultaneous movement from New York, was to force the 
passes of the Highlands, and concentrate the two armies at 
Albany.* 

These rumors occasioned a change of head quarters; for 
the army broke up from Morristown, and marched to Ramapo, 
a favorable position Jbr the defence of the North* river forti- 
fications. They had scarcely arrived there, when the intel- 
ligence of the British general's movement to the Delaware, 
and the sailing of the fleet, apprised Washington of his de- 
sign on Philadelphia. Speedily decamping, the army was 
ordered to the various ferries on the Delaware, above Tren- 
ton ; and the general himself, crossing at Coryell's, assem- 
bled his army on the right bank of the river, and by rapid 
marches proceeded to Philadelphia. 

Ever anxious of serving his friends, and justly appreciat- 
ing the services of those daring spirits who had braved peril 
in the dangerous days of the Stamp Act; Col. Lamb took 
much pains to procure the advancement of Capt. Mott, who 
had been one of the foremost of these, and who had done 
good service at Quebec, to the vacant majority of his regi- 
ment;! but Gen. Knox could not be induced to give his con- 
sent, having a preference for a very good officer, but one of 
disagreeable manners, and temper. Capt. Mott, who had 
been so uncivilly treated at Albany, by Gen. Gates, during 
his temporary command there, in May, was now, most pro- 
bably from the same cause which produced that animosity, 
exposed to much vexation. He had been stationed at Fort 
Constitution, in command of that post,J and in charge of the 
laboratory there. From this station an attempt was made to 
supersede him, by the substitution in his stead, of an eastern 

* Marshall. t Lamb papers, N. Y. His. Soc. t Idem. 

22 



170 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

officer, of a lower grade in rank, and service; as he was not 
naturally very passive under aggressions of that sort, he 
vehemently opposed the injustice, and Col. Lamb, sustain- 
ing him with all his energy, the design was abandoned.* 

The conspiracy against the Commander-in-Chief was not 
idle; nor were the conspiritors less sparing of their machi- 
nations and calumnies against Gen. Schuyler, than they had 
been against Washington; and by force of these, Gates was 
again ordered to the command of the northern army, to reap 
the harvest sown by the indefatigable efforts of Schuyler, and 
by the self sacrifice of his gallant, but unfortunate coadjutor, 
St. Clair; and accompanied by Gov. George Clinton, the 
newly appointed General, on the 15th August, proceeded to 
Albany .f Col. Lamb now received instructions to join at 
head quarters, in Bucks county, for a special conference with 
Gen. Knox; J but news of the movement of the grand army, 
from that place to Wilmington, and the frequent changes of 
position, before, and after the battle of Brandywine, pre- 
vented him from obeying the order; and subsequent opera- 
tions of the British Commander at New York, rendered it in- 
expedient to leave his post. 

The friendship begun with Arnold, at Quebec, had been 
strengthened by subsequent associations, and conjoint efforts 
in the public service. They had been under fire together, 
recently at Compo, and the bearing of both on that day, had 
not tended to lessen their mutual regard. In a correspond- 
ence which was kept up between them, Col. Lamb expressed 
his dissatisfaction at the inactivity of garrison duty. He 
would have been better satisfied in sharing the dangers of 
either army, and would gladly have been with his old Com- 
mander, in active service in the field. Arnold had been 
dispatched by Washington, as a very efficient mean of 
strengthening the northern army; and on his arrival from his 
successful expedition to Fort Stanwix, which had so much 
contributed to the gallant defence of Gansevoort, and Willett, 

* Lamb papers, N. Y. His. Soc, fldem. J Idem. 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 171 

unsuspicious of the vexations, and mortifications which were 
awaiting him at the camp of Gates, addressed the following 
letter to Col. Lamb :* 

Half Moon, Sept. 5, 1777. 
Dear Colonel : 

Your favor of the 8th July, was delivered me last week, 
on my return from Fort Schuyler. A hurry of business has 
prevented me from answering it before. I am much obliged 
to you for the concern you express for my health and welfare; 
and you will not impute my silence to inattention or want of 
friendship, when I assure you I have wrote you twice from 
Philadelphia, and once since my arrival in this quarter. 

I am convinced, by some villainy in the post riders, or neg- 
ligence in those who carry letters; one-half of those directed 
to me, and those which I send, never come to hand. I have 
received but three letters, out of seven, wrote me by my sister. 

I am sorry to find you are in a place that is not agreeable 
to you. I heartily wish your reg't with us, as a few days, in 
all probability, will determine the fate of Gen. Burgoyne's 
array, or that of ours. We have six thousand men here, and 
four at Bennington, who will endeavor to get in his rear, 
while we attack in front; our people are in high spirits, and 
wish for action. 

We expect soon to hear of an action between Gens. Wash- 
ington, and Howe. This month, I believe, will be very im- 
portant in the annals of America. I had the pleasure of hear- 
ing from home a few days since, when all were well. Capt, 
Wooster, by whom I send this, informs me Capt. Mansfield 
has lately been ill, but is recovered. Please present my re- 
spects to him, and Col. Oswald, and rest assured of the friend- 
ship and good wishes of, 

Dr Colonel, 

Your aifectionate. 

Humble serv't, 

B. Arnold. 
Col. Lamb. 

P. S. Please assure Col. Oswald, that the hurry of busi- 
ness only, prevents my writing him. I have hardly one mi- 
nute to myself. I wish the pleasure of hearing from you both 
'often. B. A. 

• Lamb papers, N. Y. His. Soc. 



172 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

N. B. My sister writes me, she sent one of my horses to 
Peekskill, about the 25th July, to be forwarded to me; and 
that she intended sending another, the last of July. I have 
received neither,* and beg the favor of Col, Oswald, to make 
enquiry for them, as he knows the horses; the one a sorrel 
stallion; the other a sorrel mare. I wish him, if they can be 
found, to send them to Albany, to the Dep'y Qr-Master Ge- 
neral. Yours, 

B. A.f 

By this time, indications of activity on the part of the 
enemy in New York, began to reconcile Col. Lamb to his po- 
sition. There were three posts in the Highlands. The first 
point selected by the Commissioners appointed by the Pro- 
vincial Cono-ress, under the advisement of Col. Bernard Ro- 
mans, engineer appointed by the Congress, was situated on 
the crown of Martlaers rock, or Martyrs cliff, opposite to 
West Point, and on the left bank of the river.J This posi- 
tion was supposed to form part of the estate of Col. Beverly 
Robinson, to whom application was made by the Commis- 
sioners, to purchase the site;§ who, in reply, informed them 
that the ground did not belong to him, or he would freely 
grant it to the public, for the purpose contemplated; and he 
referred them to the agent of Mrs. Ogilvie, the real owner.|| 
A morass in the rear, and a creek surrounding the point, gave 
it the appearance of a very defensible position; but it was 
found to be commanded by West Point, and the hills above 

* This may explain the reason, why Arnold rode a borrowed horse at 
the battles of Saratoga; though it appears that Gov. Lewis, and Gen. 
Wilkinson, are at issue with regard to the owner of the animal, thus em- 
ployed. Wilkinson affirming the one ridden on the 7th October, to have 
been a black horse, belonging to Mr. Leonard Chester; and Mr. Sparks, 
on the authority of Gov. Lewis, says: "The animal was a beautiful 
Spanish horse, which had formerly belonged to Gov. Skeene, but now the 
property of Col, Lewis, and borrowed by Arnold, for the occasion. Wilk- 
inson was most probably correct, as he says he saw the horse dead, in the 
redoubt. 

t Lamb papers, N. Y. His. Soc. 

t American Archives. j Idem. |1 Idem. 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 173 

it. A Committee of Congress, Robert R. Livingston, Robert 
Treat Paine, and John Langdon, visited the works, and re- 
ported this defect to Congress. The Commander-in-Chief, 
then directed Gen. Putnam to order Lord Sterling, with Cols. 
Putnam, and Knox, to make farther reconnoissances; Col. 
Knox not being able to attend, Capt. Sergeant was substi- 
tuted in his stead. Lord Stirling, in behalf of this Commit- 
tee, recommended the occupation of West Point; and in ad- 
dition to the works on the north bank of Pooploop's kill, 
already in contemplation, that the eminence on the south 
side, which commanded the left bank of the creek, to its 
mouth, should be fortified also. 

A Committee of the Provincial Congress, was appointed to 
confer with Gen. Washington, on the subject of the fortifica- 
tions in the Highlands; who, probably in consequence of the 
report of Lord Sterling, decided upon taking the direction of 
the river defences into his own hands. The Commissioners 
were accordingly discharged of further superintendence by 
the Congress. The suggestions of Lord Sterling were adopted 
to the letter. A strong work was erected on the south bank 
of Pooploop's creek; and the energies of the government 
were devoted to put it in a respectable state of defence; while 
Fort Montgomery, on the other side, was left in an imperfect 
state. These works were commanded by Fort Clinton, which 
was elevated twenty-three feet above them.* 

As soon as they were in a condition to receive garrisons, 
the command of the post was assigned to Brig. Gen. James 
Clinton, who was stationed in the Fort bearing his name; 
and to Col. Lamb, was committed the defence of Fort Mont- 
gomery. A company of Lamb's artillery, with a few regu- 
lars and militia, not a tenth part enough to defend them, were 
placed in each fort; and thus, positions, upon which every 
thing depended, were so weakly garrisoned as to tempt Sir 
Henry Clinton, the least enterprising of the British com- 
manders, to undertake to carry them by a coup de main.f 
♦American Archives. Lamb papers, N. Y. His. Soc. fldem. 



174 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

On the 25th of March, 1777, the Continental Cdngress, at 
the suggestion of that of New York, resolved to appoint a 
commandant of the forts in the Highlands, when George 
Clinton was elected to that post, and the rank of Brigadier 
General assigned him. A short time afterwards, that officer 
was elected Governor of New York, and the duties of that 
station absorbing his time, he did not assume the command. 

A point of land commanding the mouth of the Peekskill, 
and protecting the communication with the surrounding coun- 
try, designated by Lord Sterling, was also occupied and forti- 
fied; and Gen. Putnam, with a corps of regulars and militia, 
was stationed near it, as commander of the forces in the 
Highlands.* 

Early in October, the British General embarked his forces, 
ostensibly for a southern expedition, and waited a favorable 
wind for the execution of his real design, which was to make 
a diversion in favor of Burgoyne, (then held in check at the 
north) by the capture of the river defences. The opportuni- 
ties were propitious, and a powerful naval armament, with 
four thousand troops on board, suddenly menanced Putnam's 
position, and landed at Verplanck's Point.f 

Putnam was caught by the device, and believing the de- 
fences on the east side of the river to be the object of the 
British General, obstinately refused the entreaties of officers 
more sagacious than himself,J to send adequate succors to the 
posts opposite; nor after the main body of the British had 
the next day crossed to Stoney Point, and were on their march 
to Forts Clinton and Montgomery; and even after the firing 
was heard at the forts above him, could he be prevailed 
upon to send forces to the relief of the beleaguered posts.§ 

* American Archives. Lamb papers, N. Y. His. Soc. 

t Marshall. t Lamb papers. 

^ It was equally unfortunate for the country, and the military reputa- 
tion of Putnam, that he suffered himself to be so deceived ; and this scarcely 
could have happened, had Col. Burr been of his military family at that 
time •, but some months before, he had been appointed Lieutenant-Colonel 
of Malcom's regiment ; and was then in command of it in New Jersey. 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 175 

But Gov. Clinton was not so easily blinded. As soon as 
notice was given him that the fleet was on the river, he pro- 
rogued the legislature, then in session at Kingston, and col- 
lecting such militia as could be assembled, proceeded to 
assume the command to which he had been assigned by Con- 
gress. He had scarcely time to throw himself, with four 
hundred of his followers, into the forts, when the British, 
having deceived Putnam, advanced to the attack. The whole 
force reached the pass of the Dunderberg about eight o'clock 
in the morning, when a halt was ordered. Lieut.-Col. Camp- 
bell, of the fifty-second regiment, with part of his own, and 
and the fifty-seventh, the American Loyalists, under Col. Be- 
verly Robinson, the New York Volunteers imder Col. Grant, 
together with Emerick's Chasseurs, in all, about nine hun- 
dred men,* were ordered to detour round the westerly side of 
Bear hill, in order to gain the rear of Fort Montgomery. As 
soon as sufficient time had elapsed to enable this detachment 
to effect the detour, the right column under Clinton, and 
Vaughan, passing the ravine between Bear hill, and Dun- 
derberg, began their march upon Fort Clinton, while a bri- 
gade under Tryon, ex-governor of New York, who had ac- 
cepted the commission of Major-General of Provincials, was 
left to keep open the communication with the left wing, and 
to cover the retreat, in case of disaster. Campbell's detach- 
ment fell in with a small force of Americans, of thirty men; 
these he attacked, and they retreated, skirmishing, into Fort 
Clinton.f Gov. Clinton, who had left his brother in command 
of the strongest post, imdertook the defence of the more ex- 
tensive and half-finished works of Fort Montgomery. 

Immediately after the piquets were driven in, Gov. Clinton 
ordered a force of one hundred men, under Lieut.-Cols. Bruyn, 
and McClaughry, towards Doodletown,| and a detachment of 

*Almon's Remembrancer, and Maps, Warden's collection in State Li- 
brary, tidem. 

JGov. Clinton's letter to Committee of Public Safety, Albany. Dun- 
lap's History of New York. 



176 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

sixty men, with a brass field piece, to a favorable position on 
the furnace road, to check the enemy, and gall him in the ad- 
vance. Both parties were soon in action. The artillery was 
reinforced with forty men;* and the two detachments main- 
tained a spirited resistance, until driven from their positions 
at the point of the bayonet, by the overwhelming force of the 
enemy. The nature of the ground rendering it impossible to 
bring off the gun, it was spiked and abandoned.f A twelve 
pounder, under the direction of Col. Lamb, having been 
placed so as to cover the retreat, the two parties retired in 
good order, and with little loss to the fort.J 

By this time, the main body under Sir Henry Clinton, had 
reached the other fortress; and both positions were attacked 
with great resolution.^ The firing continued on both sides 
with unabated spirit, until five o'clock in the afternoon, when 
a flag was sent to the Governor, with a summons to surrender 
in five minutes, or abide a general assault. The terms were 
rejected with scorn, and the best disposition made for de- 
fence.|| The numbers of the enemy were sufficient to enable 
them to assail the garrison on all sides at once, and after a 
short interval, the storm on both forts commenced. Not- 
withstanding the scanty number of the defenders, the guns 
were actively served, and the enemy repeatedly repulsed ; but 
the works were too extensive, and taking advantage of the 
darkness, the lines, and the redoubts of both places were car- 
ried.H Part of the garrisons were made prisoners, among 
whom was Maj. Stephen Lush, the Governor's aid; but the 
commanders of both forts, with their principal officers, and 
many of the men, fought their way through the enemy, and 
escaped.** James Clinton, the commander of Fort Clinton, 
cut his passage to the woods in the rear. While thus en- 
gaged, a British soldier made a thrust at him with his bayo- 
net; but happening to have the orderly book of his garrison, 

*Gov. Clinton's letter to Committee of Public Safety, Albany. Dun- 
lap's History of New York, t Clinton's Letter. J Idem. §Idem. || Idem. 

TT Traditional History of the Lamb family. ** Idem. 



V ... \ 

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LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 177 

in the pocket of his coat; the point of the weapon was ar- 
rested by the book; and the General escaped with a wound 
in his thigh, not so deep as to disable him.* George Clin- 
ton was unhurt, but came near captivity or death. He had 
reached the river side, as a boat with part of the garrison, 
was on their way across to the opposite shore, when he hailed 
the fugitives. An officer, familiar with the sound, recog- 
nized the Governor's voice, and ordered the boat back. It 
was loaded to the gunwale, and Clinton, unwilling to endan- 
ger the safety of the others, refused to enter; determining to 
attempt the passage by swimming. To obviate this necessity, 
the patriotic officer offered to surrender his place, and run the 
risk of captivity himself, rather than to hazard the safety of 
the Governor; but to this the latter would not consent. An 
experiment was made, and it was found that the boat might 
possibly carry them all, without swamping. The passage, 
though attended with much danger, was happily made, and 
the whole party landed safely on the opposite shore.f 

Col. Lamb, soon after the close investment of the fort, was 
ordered by Gov. Clinton, to the water batteries; | where a 
heavy attack had begun, sustained by a part of the enemy's 
flotilla; which had, notwithstanding the fire of the American 
galleys, approached within striking distance. While busily 
engaged in the defence, a drummer boy,§ finding his vocation 
of little use, accosted Col. Lamb, and begged that he might 
have a musket. || This, on account of his extreme youth, and 
presumed inexperience, was at first refused; and the little 

* Traditional history. 

t Mr. Headly, in his life of James Clinton, has this incident erroneously 
stated. He makes that General, the person, who by entreaty, and almost 
by compulsion, saved the life of the Governor, his younger brother. He 
forgets that both fortresses were carried about the same time, and that at 
the moment the lines were forced, the brothers were more than half a 
mile apart. 

t Traditional history. 

§Now or lately Gen. Godwin, of Patterson, New Jersey. 

II Family tradition. 

23 



178 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

fellow cried with vexation, and disappointment at the refusal. 
This so wrought on Col. Lamb, that he ordered him to be sup- 
plied with arms; and side by side, with the Rev. Mr, Gano, the 
Chaplain, he waited the advance of the storming party. A 
part of the platoon was for firing too soon, but the new re- 
cruit insisted upon waiting until the white of the eye was 
visible, that the shot might have sure effect; and he sustained 
his part very bravely throughout the remainder of the action.* 

The defenders of the fort, from the paucity of the garrison, 
were much scattered, and part of the parapet on the other 
side had been scaled and was in the possession of the enemy. 
The reverend, and valiant chaplain, having ascertained this, 
and that the defences on Lamb's side, would soon be assailed 
in the rear, advised him of the fact; and as a wounded officer 
from the other side arrived, announcing the hopelessness of 
farther resistance; orders were given to cut their way through 
the enemy. This was done; and rushing down the outside 
of the parapet, a part of the garrison, Lamb, sword in hand 
at their head, escaped;! himself without personal injury, but 
with the loss of his private and military papers. 

Li this affair, the heaviest loss in officers and men, fell 
upon the assailants of Fort Montgomery,! Colonels Camp- 
bell and Grant,§ with other officers, were killed, and the 
command of the detachment which assailed that fort had de- 
volved on Col. Robinson, at the time of the capture. 

The defence of these posts was obstinate and well con- 
tested. The loss of the British was severe. An aid-de-camp 
of Sir Henry Clinton, two colonels, besides other officers, 
were killed, and the valor evinced by the garrison, officers 
and men, was loudly applauded. The reputation of both 
the Clintons, for courage, was deservedly high, and the bra- 
very exhibited on this occasion, added much to their military 

* Family tradition. f Idem. J Idem. 

§ Sir H. Clinton's official account, in Almon's Remembrancer, 5th vol., 
424, ^c. 



« 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 179 

fame; and the histories of the time, gave great commenda- 
tion to the defenders of these forts.* 

There was a volunteer, a Scotchman, by the name of 
Stuart, engaged in this battle; and it appears that he did 
not hold the rebels in the same horror, as his countryman at 
Quebec; for he joined the American ranks, and resisted the 
assailants with much intrepidity. He had often heard the 

*And yet Mr. Hamilton, regardless of the well-earned fame of others, 
has ventured to decry it. In page 146, of the life of his father, speaking 
of Forts Clinton and Montgomery, he says: "The former, a circular 
height, defended by a line for musketry, with a barbet battery in the 
centre of three guns, and flanked with two redoubts; the latter, 'strong- 
ly fortified by nature, almost inaccessible in itself, and sufficiently 
manned,' were both, ' after a feeble and unskilful defence, carried by 
storm.' Gov. Clinton, who commanded, a man of courage, and on most 
occasions, active and vigorous, having escaped." 

The above remarks , describing Fort Clinton, are extracted from the 
official report of the storm by Sir Henry Clinton, without any marks of 
quotation, and those which relate to Fort Montgomery, are marked as 
extracts. I have not been able to discover from whence they were taken, 
but every book relating to the subject, to which I have had access, so far 
from expressing such sentiments, gives opinions directly the reverse. 
But from whatever source derived, they are notoriously untrue ; and in 
their application to the Clintons, to Lamb, Livingston, Dubois, Bruyn, 
and to the other officers, and to the rank and file of the garrisons, they are 
ungenerous and unjust. 

Instead of being formidable by nature, and sufficiently manned, Fort 
Montgomery was incomplete, and easily attained. There were not half 
men enough in both garrisons to have defended Fort Clinton alone, which 
was by far the most impregnable position. And as for the ability and 
vigor of the defence, Steadman, a British oflUcer, who served in the war, 
under Sir Henry Clinton, and other Generals, in his history of the times, 
after rating the garrison at four hundred men, admitting that "the 
point assailed at Fort Montgomery, was not very strong, either from situ- 
ation or works," extols the valor, and "invincible resolution" of the as- 
sailants " tn no instance exceeded during the American xvar,'''' Tvad de- 
clares that the Americans defended themselves courageously." Even 
Gates, who was reluctant to admit the merit of any one, not of his fac- 
tion, (and the defenders of the Highland Forts, were the fast friends of 
Washington,) declares that " the noble defence of Fort Montgomery, will, 
to the latest posterity, adorn the name of Clinton.''^ 

Was it well done in the grandson of Schuyler, a patriot of the purest 



180 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

officers boast the goodness and justice of the cause they were 
engaged in. I know little about the quarrel, was the reply, 
and care less; it is enough for me, that you are rebels to the 
House of Hanover, to keep me on your side. My grand 
father was a rebel, and out in the Fifteen; and my father 
was engaged in Forty -five, and at Culloden. I was born a 

character, whose memory has more than that of any other, suffered by 
false history, and the calumnies of the time, thus to deny recorded facts, 
and to controvert established history, in order to derogate from the fame 
those who stood " second to none," not even to that illustrious ancestor, 
whom he justly reveres, for patriotism in council, and prowess in the 
field? 

That the forts might have been successfully defended, and the force sent 
against them, cut to pieces, had General Putnam known how to use the 
means at his disposal, is very probable; but he was completely de- 
ceived, in taking the feint, for the real attack; permitting the British 
General to carry an overwhelming force against the only object of his ex- 
pedition, and by main force, literally to crowd out the garrison, by dint 
of numbers. 

That works, a quarter manned, should be able to resist so form.idable a 
force the whole day, does not speak "a feeble and unskilful defence ;" 
and that the chief commanders, and a large part of the garrison, should be 
able to cut through the press that surrounded them, is some evidence of 
intrepidity in their defenders. That Washington so considered it, we 
have the authority of Chief Justice Marshall, who says: " The works 
were defended with resolution, and were maintained until dark; when the 
lines being too extensive to be completely manned, the assailants entered 
them in different places. The defence being no longer possible, some of 
the garrison were made prisoners, while their better knowledge of the 
country, enabled others to escape." 

The Court of Enquiry, ordered by Congress, to investigate the causes 
of the loss, entirely acquits the commanders of the forts^ of all blame, 
and ascribes it to the weakness of the garrisons alone, as will appear by 
the following extract from the Journals of Congress : 

Aug. 17, 1778. Report of Court of Enquiry, respecting the loss of 
Forts Montgomery, and Clinton: "That upon a careful examination of 
the facts stated to the Court of Enquiry, and consideration of the evidence 
taken, and transmitted; it appears that those posts were lost, not from 
any fault, misconduct, or negligence of the commanding officers ; but 
solely through the want of an adequate force under their command, to 
maintain and defend them." 

To this report Congress agreed. 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 181 

rebel, and bred a rebel, and a rebel to that family, I will be 
to the day of my death.* 

In scrambling down the parapet, in the retreat, he missed 
his footing and fell, his sword escaping his grasp; as he had 
gained his knees, and was groping for the lost weapon, a 
British soldier was close upon him, with intent to dispatch 
him with the bayonet; the unevenness of the ground caused 
him too to stumble; and before he could recover; the Scotch- 
man, drawing his dirk, pinned him to the ground; and leap- 
ing over the dead body, joined his companions. The loss of 
his hereditary claymore, grieved him sadly; and after the 
war was ended he waited on Col. Lamb, requesting him to 
use his influence with Congress, to have his sword recovered, 
or another given him in its stead.f 

* Family tradition. t Hem, 



182 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 



CHAPTER XIII. 

Putnam out manoeuvered. — Oswald begs to reinforce the Forts. — Retreat 
to New Windsor. — Heth's Battle of Germantown. — Fort Constitution. 
— Geo. Clinton meditates recovery of the Forts. — Putnam an attack on 
New York. — Oswald's Letter. — Col. Malcom's. — Burgoyne's Surren- 
der. — Sir H. Clinton moves up the River. — Artillery on both sides at- 
tempt to annoy him. — Esopus burnt. — Holt. — C. Colles. — Gen. Knox's 
Letter. — Red Bank. — Gates sends Reinforcements to main Army. — 
Putnam detains them. — Ordered by Hamilton to join Head Quarters at 
White Marsh. — Gen Knox's Letter. — Fort Mifflin. — Fortifications. — 
Philadelphia. 

Before Gen. Putnam left the camp on his project of recon- 
noitering the enemy, Lieut.-Col. Oswald, who had pene- 
trated the real intention of the expedition, begged to be or- 
dered with a reinforcement to the relief of the forts;* and it 
was not until Sir Henry Clinton had crossed, with the great 
body of the troops, to the other side, and the posts there 
absolutely invested, that the general began to discover that 
his post w^as not the object of attack. He then ordered a 
reinforcement to the fort, but it w^as too late to aid in the 
defence; and was of no benefit, unless it helped the garrison 
to make good their retreat. In the vexation of the moment, 
Oswald wrote the following letter: 

6th October, 1777. 

Heaven preserve you all, my dear Colonel ! I feel for you, 
and lament that I can't assist you. I have made application 
to Gen. Putnam, that a reinforcement of artillerymen and 
myself, might be sent off to your support, but to my mortifi- 
cation, he absolutely refuses. By the next express let him 
know if more artillery are needed, and that I might be or- 
dered to join you. A large reinforcement is on their march 
to your assistance.| 

Yours, affectionately. 

Col. Lamb. E. OswALD.f 

* Lamb papers, N. Y. His. Soc, t Idem. , 

X Sent after Putnam's return. 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 183 

After the heroic, though unsuccessful defence of the forts. 
Governor Clinton, with James Clinton, Colonel Lamb, and 
other officers and men who cut their way through the enemy, 
assembled at New Windsor, and for several days meditated 
the recapture of the forts from the British. 

At this place, Colonel Lamb received a letter from his fel- 
low prisoner at Quebec, Heth.* The information contained 
in it, brought little consolation to the mind of one, who felt 
so keenly the disasters of the country; and as some of his 
companies were with McDougall's brigade, he deplored 
the loss of the battle of Germantown, almost as severely as 
his own defeat. 

Camp Parcomans, 

Oct. 12, 1777. 
Dear Colonel: 

The inclosed just came to hand by some Gent, in the 
Frederick militia. I seize the present hour to write you, 
tho' am uncertain when it will meet with a conveyance. 

Before this reaches you, the news of our late action at 
Germantown, no doubt will have come to hand. It was a 
grand enterprise; an inimitable plan, which nothing but its 
Godlike author could equal. Had the execution of it been 
equal to its formation, it must have been attended with the 
most happy succfess. The following are the outlines of the 
orders, and the assault, whiqh had nearly completed thq ruin 
of the whole British army. In fact we had gained a victory, 
had we known it. 

On Friday evening, the 3d inst, the whole army marched 
from their encampment, (about 11 miles from the enemy,) 
disposed of in such a manner, as to march by several routes, 
so as to arrive at the enemy's picquets, by 2 o'clock — then 
wait until the hour of 4, and then to advance with charged 
bayonet, upon their front, flank and rear; but from short 
marches and frequent halts, it was near 6, before the first 
volley of small arms was heard; when General Greene and 
Stephens' divisions who were to oppose the enemys right, 
were then, (from some mismanagement,) only forming at 
more than a mile distant. However, our troops who made 

* This officer kept a journal of the events of the war, and Marshall 
has made, as he acknowledges, great use of it in his history. 



184 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

the attack were successful; they drove the enemy from field 
to field, and through part of Germantown. In the mean 
time, our wing, by another piece of bad conduct, attempted 
to march in line of battle, 'til that order was found impracti- 
cable; which from the number of post and rail fences, thick- 
ets, and in short every thing that could obstruct our march, 
threw us frequently into the greatest disorder; and as the 
heavy fire before us, urged us on to a dog trot, we were nearly 
exhausted before we came to the first field of action; when 
unfortunately a strong stone house, in which the enemy had 
taken post, drew the attention of ten times the number, that 
would have been sufficient to keep them snug; and from 
which we received considerable damage. And after we had 
brought some artillery to play upon opposite parts of .the 
house; each party took the other for the enemy. About this 
time, an opinion prevailed among some general officers, that 
the house was occupied by our own men, when part of our 
troops were ordered oif. The heavy smoke, added to a thick 
fog, was of great injury to us. It undoubtedly encreased the 
fears of some, to fancy themselves flanked and surrounded ; 
which like an electrical shock, seized some thousands, who 
fled in confusion, without the appearance of an enemy. 

What makes this inglorious flight more grating to us, is, 
that we know the enemy had orders to retreat, and ren- 
dezvous at Chester; and that upwards of two thousand 
Hessians had actually crossed the Schuylkill for that purpose; 
that the tories were in the utmost distress, and moving out of 
the city; that our friends confined in the new gaol, made it 
ring with shouts of joy; that we passed, in pursuing them, 
upwards of twenty pieces of cannon, their tents standing, 
filled with their choicest baggage; in fine, every thing was as 
we could wish, when the above flight took place. Tho' we 
gave away a complete victory, we have learned this valuable 
truth, that we are able to beat them by vigorous exertion, 
and that we are far superior in point of swiftness. We are 
in high spirits; every action gives our troops fresh vigor, and 
a greater opinion of their own strength; another bout or two, 
must make their situation very disagreeable. 

They have made several attempts to bring up their ship- 
ping, which has been attended with some loss on their side. 
Fort Mifflin is strong, and great dependence is put in the of- 
ficer who commands, and the troops under him. We have lost 
many valuable spirits; but none that I now recollect, of your 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 185 

particular acquaintance. The enemy have also lost in the 
same way. 

I am, Dr Sir, 

Yours sincerely, 

Will Heth.* 
Col. Lamb. 

The enemy, after the capture of Forts Montgomery, and 
Clinton, sent a flag to Fort Constitution, with summons to 
surrender. Capt. Mott, who commanded there, with a hand- 
ful of artificers, fired on the flag, and refused to treat. He 
had resolved on evacuating the place, which he did on the 
same night, and drew off his men.f The enemy now pushed 
up a force of two thousand men, and landing below the fort, 
they marched into its unoccupied walls, without any opposi- 
tion.J 

Some of the histories seem to consider the evacuation of 
Fort Constitution, as unadvised, and precipitate. Probably 
deceived by the hardihood of the garrison, in firing upon the 
flag, they imagined that the place was well garrisoned, and de- 
fensible. This is a mistake; it was a mere laboratory, as 
the following letters from the Commander will manifest: 

Fort Constitution, 31 Aug., 1777. 
Dear Colonel: 

I am obliged to go to Fort Montgomery to-morrow morn- 
ing, when I hope to have the pleasure of seeing you. Lieut. 
Ashton is just arrived, and as he is unwell, I have laid my 
commands upon him, not to leave this post without my con- 
sent; you'll be kind enough to excuse this, and I will pro- 
duce him to you in the morning. 

Our men are continually on guard, that is three relieves. 
I should be happy in the command of this post, if the Gene- 
ral would see it proper to send fifty men more, without which 
reinforcement, our smiths must stand still in four days. If 
this reinforcement should be sent, we could bui-n the coal ne- 
cessary; furnish the fatigue parties, and keep the necessary 
guards; though I humbly conceive seventy-two ought to be 



* Lamb papers, N. Y. His. Soc. f Idem. 

X Lamb papers, N. Y. His. Soc. 

CtA 



186 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

the reinforcement, as many of our men stand in need of dis- 
cipline. 

I am affectionately yours, 

G. MOTT.* 

To Col. Lamb. 

Fort Constitution, 3d Oct., 1777. 
" We have only two barrels of flour in this garrison, and 
not a boat to fetch any, or transport coal across the river; 
our only boat is with our oars, detained at Fort Montgomery. 
I beg you would be pleased to speak to the General, to have 
that boat and oars sent to this garrison, otherwise, our arti- 
ficers must be idle, as well as our grinders, having no bread." 
I am Sir, your very humble serv't, 

Gershom MoTT.f 
Col. Lamb. 

While Gov. Clinton was endeavoring to collect his scat- 
tered forces on the west side of the Hudson, and gathering 
strength to make an effort to regain the Highland Forts, Put- 
nam was pursuing a line of conduct, tending, if not intended, 
to embarrass the design. The troops under his command, 
were ordered to be in readiness to march. It seems that he 
seriously indulged the visionary intention of attacking New 
York, while Sir Henry Clinton was on the river above him; 
and had ordered a force to Peekskill, preparatory to a march 
for that object. No cooperation from him therefore, could 
be expected to favor the recovery of the posts. The follow- 
ing letters from Col. Oswald, will throw^ some light upon the 
General's movements, and intentions: 

FisHKiLL, 13 Oct., 1777. 

" G. Parsons is at Peekskill. This morning, old Put came 
and ordered me to send off Capt. Loclrwood, with his two 
pieces to join him, and I am told we are all to go down to 
the Whiteplains. 

" This morning, G. Parsons sent intelligence, that Clin- 
ton had been reinforced from New York, and is determined 
to push up the river."| 

*Lamb papers, N. Y. His. Soc. fldem. t Idem. 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 187 

FisHKiLL, 15th October, 1777. 
Dear Colonel: 

The whole array are paraded, and wait orders for march- 
ing to Peekskill, or perhaps farther dowu, just as the maggot 
may bitej however, I am ordered to send for a number of 
shells, &c., prepared for the two inch mortars, and to have 
them in readiness when called for. 

" I hope to have the pleasure of spending the remainder 
of the campaign with you. If we move on towards New 
York, I suppose that part of the army with you, will join us." 

Colonel Lamb.* 

While these movements, so conflicting w^ith the design of 
recapturing the forts, were in agitation, great efforts were 
made to forward preparations. Col. Malcom had been sent 
by Gov. Clinton, to Albany, for that purpose; but it was soon 
ascertained that the British had evacuated and destroyed 
them.f The battle of Saratoga had been fought; Burgoyne 
had reached Albany, a prisoner, and the whole country knew 
the particulars of the capitulation, a fortnight before the of- 
ficial account reached Congress.| The Convention of Sara- 
toga, found few favorers among those who were not of the 
Gates faction; and Col. Lamb M'as loudest in condemnation 
of that precipitate, and inexpedient measure;^ nor were the 
miserable reasons afterw^ards assigned by Gates, and his fol- 
lowers, though satisfactory to Congress, sufficient to change 
his opinion. These sentiments, unequivocally avowed, did 
not bring him into much favor with Putnam, nor did they fa~ 
cilitate the future operations of his department.|| 

The enemy had proceeded up the river, on the marauding 
expedition, under Gen. Vaughan, and had burnt Kingston. 
They were followed by our artillery, on both sides of the 
river; the guns on the west side, were too light to do them 
serious injury. They had, indeed, one twenty-four pounder, 
soon made fit for service, but had no shot. Gov. Clinton 
therefore dispatched a messenger to Albany, for a supply for 

*Lamb papers, N. Y. His. Soc. f Idem. t Wem. § Idem. 
|[l Lamb papers, N Y. His. Soc. 



188 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

that, and for the four pounders, which were also deficient in 
ball. Col. Oswald, on the other side, was better prepared, 
and with some heavy guns, did them considerable damage,* 
and every effort was made to annoy them, as they were as- 
cending, ^nd at their return. At Hurly, Lamb received the 
following letter from Col. Mai com: 

Albany, Oct. 18, 1777. 
Dear Sir: 

I hope you will soon be in a sufficient force to put you in 
possession of F. M. Write me by the return of this express, 
what is wanted, and every thing that you can suggest. If 
the fort falls, can not the fleet be shut in? I think so; if 
that is the case, they ought not to be annoyed in the river, nor 
alarmed in any w^ay; nor any communication allowed with 
them. 30 odd ps of train, in B.'s camp, chiefly small; 4 
12, two 24s, two 8 inch howitzers, and I think 4 or 5 royals. 
You will see my letter to the Governor. The sooner I have 
your letter, the better. Maj. Stevens, of artillery here, ap- 
pears to be very clever, and hath every kind of stores, in 
abundance. Your estimate then. It's necessary for me to 
stay here. I'll tell you why, when I see you. 
Burgoyne is here. 

Yrs affec'y, 

W. MALCOM.f 

Col. Lamb. 

Here Col. Lamb received intelligence of the misfortunes of 
two of his old friends. Holt, the patriot printer, who, on the 
evacuation of New York, had removed to New Haven, send- 
ing a part of his materials to Danbury, which were much 
scattered, when the British destroyed that town; afterwards 
removed to Kingston, to which place, Christopher Colles had 
also retired for safety; but both these unfortunate non-com- 
batants W' ere driven off by the enemy, and their property de- 
stroyed by the conflagration of Kingston.^ 

The officers on the west side of the river, were ordered to 
Putnam's head quarters, and by appointment. Col. Lamb met 
Gen. James Clinton, at New Windsor, from whence they pro- 

* Lamb papers, N, Y. His. Soc. f Idem, J Idem. 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 189 

ceeded together to Fishkill. At that place, the following let- 
ter was received:* 

Head Quarters, 26 October, 1777. 
Dear Sir: 

I am just informed of an express going off to Gen. Putnam, 
and can not refrain from congratulating you on the success 
of our arms in the Delaware. About four o'clock in the after- 
noon of the 22d, Count Donop, with about twelve or fifteen 
hundred Hessians, attacked our redoubt at Red Bank, con- 
structed as a security for ourgallies, on the Jersey side; and 
after a very serious trial, of about three-quarters of an hour, 
were obliged to retreat; leaving our brave garrison in pos- 
session of the redoubt, and victory. Count Donop, the Com- 
mander, was wounded, and taken prisoner; as were near an 
hundred others. The enemy left about 100 dead on the field; 
their whole loss must have been 600. They retreated with 
the utmost precipitation, until they recrossed the Delaware 
to Philadelphia. 

The next morning, 6 ships came up thro' the lower che- 
vaux de frize, and commenced a most furious fire at Fort Is- 
land, and the galleys. These answered them with great spirit, 
and after this infernal racket had continued for six hours, the 
enemy's fleet were obliged to retreat. In doing which, a 
sixty-four gun ship, and a frigate, both run aground, and 
were burn'd. These events, glorious in themselves, will have 
the best consequences. The garrisons at Red Bank, and 
Fort MifHin, are in high spirits, as well as the men on board 
our fleet. We have hopes of being able to prevent them 
from getting possession of the river; which if we effect, they 
must depart Philadelphia. Please to shew this to Gen. Par- 
sons, and give my love to him. 

I am, dear sir, yours, 

affectionately, 

H. KNox.f 

The gallantry displayed in this affair, and the eclat which 
it gave to our arras, was peculiarly gratifying to Col. Lamb, 
inasmuch as his old friend, and fellow prisoner at Quebec, Col. 
Greene, commanded the redoubt. 

Gen. Washington derived but little aid from the army of 
the Highlands, and still less from the northern army. Gates, 

* Lamb papers, N. Y. His. Soc. fldem. 



190 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

with ample stores, and a formidable force, would not im 
port them to strengthen the Commander-in-Chief, whom he 
vainly ^imagined he should soon supersede; and gave out 
that he meditated an expedition to Ticonderoga, as his ex- 
cuse. Pressed by Washington, he was so tardy in his move- 
ments, that Col. Hamilton was dispatched to hasten his de- 
termination. He stopped on the way at New Windsor, the 
camp of Gov. Clinton, and crossed to Fishkill, to confer 
with Putnam.f 

On his arrival at Albany, he found Gates reluctant to part 
with any of the forces. One reason assigned, was the fear 
of an attack from Sir Henry Clinton, and the destruction of 
the arsenal at Albany.f He was so strenuously urged, how- 
ever, that he at length consented to send Morgan's corps, and 
some very thin brigades, to the general camp. Hamilton 
vehemently remonstrated at the inefficiency of this relief; and 
by the vigor of his arguments, and some persuasion, he suc- 
ceeded in changing the design. § On his W' ay back, he again 
visited the camp at Fishkill, and found that Putnam, (still 
dreaming of the capture of New York), had detained a part 
of the forces dispatched by Gates; and even marched them 
to Tarry town, and had himself advanced as far as White 
Plains, on his favorite project.|| 

Col. Hamilton, now, by the advice of Gov. Clinton, as- 
snmed the authority of issuing a peremptory order to Putnam, 
to put the continental troops in motion, for the camp at White 
Marsh.1T 

The complaints of Col. Hamilton, of the " blunders and ca- 
prices of Putnam," were so severe, that it was rumored at 
head quarters, that he w^ould be arrested on his arrival, for 
disobedience of orders; but however provoked on the occa- 
casion, the Commander-in-Chief did not visit the ofFenct 
with such heavy retribution. 

T Hamilton's letters to Washington. i Idem. 

§ Hamilton's letter. || Lamb papers. 

H Hamilton's letters. 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 191 

The sailing of the fleet from New York with reinforce- 
ments to the Delaware, relieved the mind of Gen. Gates of 
the fear of invasion at Albany; and he was instructed by 
Congress to take command in the Highlands, while Putnam, 
with twenty -five hundred men, including Morgan's corps, 
were to strengthen Washington and the main array. The 
Commander-in-Chief was now at the head of a very formida- 
ble force, and wished to provoke the enemy to offer battle.* 
The following extract of a letter from Major Piatt, aid-de- 
camp of Gen. McDougall, exhibits the feelings of the army 

on the subject : 

Head Quarters, White Marsh, ) 
13 miles from Philadelphia, 29th Nov., 1777. i 

" We have now the most formidable army ever on foot on 
the American establishment; and I dare pledge my life there 
are not more than twelve thousand continental troops, and 
about twenty-five hundred or three thousand militia. It has 
been Gen. Washington's misfortune, the most of this cam- 
paign, to be inferior in numbers to the enemy; which has 
been the reason of his not risking what he otherwise would 
have wished. Thank God, we are now superior to the ene- 
my in the field. And they, conscious of our superiority, have 
fortified from Delaware to Schuylkill. 

They have thrown up very strong lines across, and besides 
these, ten or twelve very strong redoubts, ditched, friezed, 
picketed and abbatied; every one of which cross fire, and 
flank their lines. All these redoubts are within the space 
of one and a half or two miles ; the distance from river to 
river being not greater. 

Judge, then, whether an attack will take place from our 
army this winter. My sentiments are the reverse. 
I am, D'r. Col., 
With esteem. Your humble serv.. 

Rich. Platt. 

P. S. My respects to the worthy oflicers with you. For 
your comfort I can tell you that old Daddy Putnam is ordered 
on to the main army, and a trial is inevitable. God speed it.f 

General Knox also corroborated the opinion of Major 
Platt, in regard to the enemy's works ; and it is a pity that 

*Lamb papers, N. Y. His. Soc, t Idem. 



192 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

the strength of the lines was too great, to have permitted an 
attempt to force him to action. That gentleman writes as 
follows : 

Camp White March, 2d December, 1777. 
Dear Sir : 

It is some time since I had the pleasure to hear from you 
(I think the " 4th November," by Capt. Wool) , and which 
I believe I have never answered, owing to the hurry of 
business, and want of opportunity. Captain Wool was to 
have called upon me, but if he did call, I was absent. 

I shall wish to see you this winter, in order to know 
whether there are any regulations necessary to be adopted 
in the corps of artillery, which I may have omitted in my 
memorandums. 

The enemy have at last got possession of the navigation 
of the river, altho' they have not yet been able to raise the 
chevaux de frize : but have found out a new channel be- 
tween the islands : made by the middle of the river, being 
stopped by the chevaux de frize. 

The defence of Fort Mifflin was as gallant as is to be 
found in history. Capt-Lieutenant Treat, one of the most 
promising and best of young officers, was killed. He had 
the command of the artillery on the island. Captain Lee 
has acquired great reputation in the defence of the fort. 
The last day of the siege, his company suffered much. His 
first lieutenant, two sergeants, and three privates killed. 
Nine wounded, some of them mortally. The fire the last 
day of the siege, exceeded by far, any thing ever seen in 
America. The enemy had five batteries on Province island 
of 18s, 24s and 32 pounders at 500 yards distance : Besides 
these, they brought up by the new channel, the large float- 
ing battery which was cut down in New York, mounting 
22 twenty-four pounders within forty yards of an angle of 
the battery on Mud Island. Four sixty-four gun ships with- 
in about nine hundred yards, and two forty gun ships. The 
incessant fire of these, joined with the fire of our floating 
batteries and gondolas, formed a scene truly picturesque, of 
the horrors and grandeur of war. The fire began at ten in 
the morning, and lasted till late in the night. The brave 
little garrison, then commanded by Major Thayer, of the 
Rhode Island troops, had but two cannon but what was 
dismounted. These soon shared the fate of the others : 
Every body who appeared on the platform were killed or 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 193 

wounded by the musketry from the tops of the ships ; whose 
yards ahnost hung over the battery. Long before night, 
there was not a single palisade left. All the embrazures 
ruined, and the whole parapet levelled. All the block houses 
had been battered down some days before. Things being in 
this situation, the brave garrison finding no kind of shelter, 
were ordered to evacuate the place : which they did, with- 
out any loss, about two o'clock in the morning, having first 
burnt the barracks, and brought off the stores. 

" The enemy have fortified themselves with fourteen strong 
redoubts, friezed and palisaded with strong abbattis, run- 
ning from one redoubt to the other. We exceedingly wish 
them to come out and give us battle; but I believe, that tho' 
this is an event they threaten, and we wish, it will not hap- 
pen. So I suppose the time is not far off, when we shall en- 
deavor to get some kind of winter quarters. The men being 
badly clothed, and in a great manner destitute of blankets, 
render a winter's campaign impossible. 

Please to write me the intended operations on the east 
side of the river. 

I am, my Dear Sir, 

Yr. most Hble Servt. 

H. Knox.* 

Col. Lamb. 

The gallantry displayed at Mud Island, particularly by 
the Artillery, which was from his regiment, was very grati- 
fying to Col. Lamb. But the loss of the officer who com- 
manded it, a very excellent subaltern of his own regiment, 
was sincerely regretted. 

* Lamb papers, N. Y. His. Soc. 



25 



194 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 



CHAPTER XIV. 

Gates' Apology for Capitulation. — Lamb at Albany. — Letter of Doughty 
— Lee's Dragoons. — Artillery ordered to the River. — Orders counter- 
manded by Putnam. — Major Meigs's Letter. — Court of Enquiry res- 
pecting Loss of Highland Forts. — Artillery again ordered to the River 
— Lamb to command — to march to Valley Forge. — Oswald's Letter. — 
Philadelphia evacuated. — Order to march countermanded. — Gates 
commands in Highlands. — Vexatious Interference. — General Order. — 
Supercedes the Commander of Artillery. — Remonstrance of Lamb. — 
Letter to the President of Congress. — Commander in Chief. — Colonel 
Malcom. — Battle of Monmouth. — Letter of Knox. — Design on New 
York. — Artillery to White Plains. — Letter to Gov. Trumbull. — Dis- 
pute of Rank with Col. Harrison. — Settled in favor of Lamb. 

Gen. Gates in his apology for the convention with Bur- 
goyne, had made the loss of the forts in the Highlands, a 
very prominent consideration to thatmeasm^e; and Congress 
seemed to consider the recovery of these, as of the last im- 
portance. The Commander in Chief, was therefore informed 
of the light in which they viewed the repossession of those 
passes, and Gen. Gates, was clothed with plenary powers to 
make such dispositions for the defences of the Hudson river, 
as he thought proper.* Col. Lamb was in command of the 
artillery on the river, and in order to forward the prepara- 
tions of his department, he went to Albany,! to hasten the 
equipments. While there, Gen. Knox passed through Fish- 
kill on his way to Boston, and made a new arrangement of 
the regiment, by which some companies doing duty with it, 
were assigned to Proctor's battalion. Four companies of 
bis command were now at headquarters, and Lieut. -Col. Os- 
wald was directed to take the command of them there.| 
These, in the mean time, in the absence of superior officers, 

* Journals Congress. tLamb papers, N. Y. His. Soc. {Idem. 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. l9o 

were in charge of Capt. Doughty, who had been promoted 
to the company formerly Hamilton's, and which had been 
annexed by Gen. Knox to Lamb's regiment. In making his 
return to his superior officer, Capt. D. mentions an affair 
not noticed in many of the histories of the time, which, with 
his reflections thereon, deserve to be extracted.* 

" We have no news at present, and have remained in 
peace and quietness, except a small alarm we had a few 
days ago; which I dare say you have heard of before this; 
but lest you should not, as it is a credit to our arms, I will 
trespass upon your patience in informing you of it. On the 
19th instant, the whole of the enemy's horse, supposed to be 
near two hundred, after a circuitous march on the preced- 
ing night, attempted to surprise, at day-break, a party of our 
horse, under command of Captain Lee, which forms our 
most advanced post; but unhappily for these bravadoes, this 
truly good officer observing their intentions; his retreat be- 
ing dangerous, betook himself, with the small party then 
with him, consisting of a sub. sergt. corpl. and six men, to a 
large store house; and there, by his superior address and 
bravery, withstood the repeated attacks of so superior a num- 
ber; and after supporting the conflict for some time, made 
these gentry relinquish their plan, and retreat with disgrace 
and confusion; leaving six dead on the field. Capt. Lee's 
loss was but trifling, none but his lieutenant being wounded. 

I assure you, nothing can reflect more honor on the cha- 
racter of a soldier, than Capt. Lee's behavior on this occa- 
sion; and when added to his former services, entitle him to 
the esteem of every soldier; whilst at the same time, it teaches 
us young soldiers, that it is not numbers that ensure us suc- 
cess; and that a few good, determined fellows, will execute, 
what a thousand dastardly wretches, would tremble at at- 
tempting. 

My best wishes for your health, and happiness always at- 

* Lamb papers, N. Y. His. Soc. 



196 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

tend you. I beg you will make my best respects to Col. 
Oswald, and believe me with 

The greatest respect, 
Your mo. ob. serv., 

Jno. Doughty. 
Park of Artillery, 27th Jan'y, 1778. 
CoL. John Lamb. 

In compliance with orders from head quarters. Col. Lamb 
dispatched one of his companies to bring to the river certain 
artillery, near the Connecticut line, which might have been 
of service in his defences^ but he was thwarted in his de- 
sign by the pertinacity of Gen. Putnam. Col. Meigs, in 
whose charge the pieces were left, in refusing to permit them 
to be removed, sent the following excuse : 

Harrison's Purchase, Jan'y 28, 1777 [1778]. 

Dear Colonel : 

I have just received your favor by Capt. Wool, who is ar- 
rived with a detachment to remove the artillery. I am sorry 
to inform you that I have received an order from Gen. Put- 
nam, not to permit the removal of any of the artillery or men 
without his express order. It seems that the General had 
intimation of your sending for the artillery. You will excuse 
me, sir, for detaining them, as I have the General's orders 
therefor. For my part, I wish they were removed, and have 
thought of removing them to Stanwich, six miles from 
Horseneck, where forage may be had for the horses. I have 
not the least use for the artillery, except the grass hoppers, 
and am, sir, with esteem, 

Your most obed. servant. 

Return Jona. Meigs. 
Col. Command't.* 

Col. Lamb. 

Congress having passed a resolve to entrust the fortifica- 
tion and defences of the North River to Governor George 
Clinton, directed the cannon ordered from Ticonderoga, to be 
put at the requisition of that officer: and Col. Lamb being 
called to his family upon some pressing emergency, left the 
camp at Fishkill for Southington. While there, he received 
a letter from Brigadier-General Huntington, inviting him to 

* T[amb papers, N. Y. His. Soc. 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 197 

attend a Court of Enquiry at West Point, to investigate the 
causes of the loss of the Highland Forts. The reasons for his 
absence continuing, he did not attend the court, and missed the 
opportunity of seeing Gen. Knox on his return from Boston; 
who being under pressing orders to return to head quarters, 
left instructions relative to the department, and announced 
that Gen. McDougall was to supersede Putnam in the com- 
mand of the Highlands!. That General had hardly assumed 
his station, when Congress directed Gen. Gates| to Fishkill, 
with orders to hurry on the fortification of the passes, agree- 
ably to their former resolves. While his brief command 
lasted. Gen. McDougall dispatched the following letter, 
which soon brought Col. Lamb to the camp : 

Head Quarters, April 4th, 1778. 
Sir: 

I received your favor of the 25th ultimo, respecting the 
Court of Enquiry. I wish you had attended it, especially as 
General Huntington advised you of it being to be held. 

The state of your Corps, and the public service, requires 
your attendance and Col. Oswald's, without delay; fori have 
reason to fear a visit from the enemy very soon. Time will 
only permit me to add that I am 

Your humble servant, 

Alex'r McDougall.^ 
Col. Lamb. 

Soon after his arrival at Fishkill, he received a letter from 
Gen. Knox, by Gen. Greene, the Quarter Master General, 
directing him to make arrangements for the transportation 
of all the artillery and stores at Farmington, some of the 
heaviest guns on the river, and the two twenty-four pounders 
at Albany taken from Burgoyne, to head quarters; and in 
this letter was an answer to his pressing request to be ordered 
into field service in the following words : " As it is your de- 
sire you are to take command of all the artillery mentioned, 
and march them to head quarters by such route as Gen. 

* Lamb papers, N. Y. His. Soc, fldem. 

} Journals Congress. § Lamb papers, N. Y. His. Soc 



198 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

Greene shall point out to you. Major Stephens (Stevens) 
will command the artillery on the River."* 

The utmost dispatch was made to comply with this requi- 
sition; and if anything could add celerity to his motions, it 
was a letter received from Oswald, already with the compa- 
nies at head quarters, of the following import : 

Aktillery Park, Camp Valley Forge, / 
15th May, 1778. { 

*' Our army is now very formidable, but not such as ena- 
bles Gen. Washington to attack the enemy in Phila. which 
manoeuvre I believe is in contemplation, and will be carried 
into execution, as soon as we are in a situation to do it. 
Reinforcements have lately arrived — a few more will give 
us superiority of our enemy."f 

Notwithstanding every effort of Col. Lamb to hasten his 
departure for camp, unavoidable delays protracted his desire; 
and while he was sanguine in the hope of being able to 
share in the intended battle, he received the following letter 
which effectually put an end to his expectations. 

Artillery Park, Valley Forge, 2 June, 1778. 

Dear Sir : 

The enemy have been for some time past, preparing to 
evacuate Philadelphia, and we are in hourly expectation of 
that event taking place. Under this appearance of things, 
the march of the artillery which you were directed to bring 
here would be entirely useless. 

His Excellency, General Washington, has ordered me to 
have it halted at some distance from the North river. I 
think Litchfield would be a proper place for that purpose : 
But if you have not yet moved it from Farmington, I leave 
it to you, to halt, either at Litchfield, or Farmington, until 
further orders. 

The enemy intend taking their route through the lower 
part of the Jersies to South Amboy and Staten Island. Our 
army will march in different divisions to the North river. 
His Excellency is somewhat apprehensive that the enemy 

*Lamb papers, N. Y. His. Soc. t Idem. 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 199 

may have a design to get possession of the passes of the 
river ; and thinks our force there inadequate to prevent ef- 
fecting it with their whole force. Therefore he wishes the 
artillery to be at a distance. The artillery from Albany is 
also to be halted on the east side of the river. 

I am dear sir your 
Most Humble servant, 

H. Knox.* 
Col. Lamb. 

General Gates had now taken the command in the High- 
. lands ; and if any vexations, or inconvenience had been 
suffered while Putnam was in power, they were not likely 
to be decreased during the rule of a commander, more suc- 
cessful in his intrigues with Congress even, than in the field, 
where he had gathered a harvest he had not sown, in the 
northern campaign. He had shown little disposition to ac- 
commodate Colonel Lamb or the public service ; refusing 
his request that part of one of his companies at Fort Schuy- 
ler, might be relieved by a detachment from the corps under 
Major Stevens at Albany .f The reason assigned for refu- 
sal, was avowedly for the purpose of gratifying Major S. in 
not separating his men by detaching part of them on that 
service. This gentleman had been appointed a lieutenant- 
colonel of infantry, 30th April, by brevet, and a subsequent 
order assigned him to the artillery, on the first vacancy 
which should occur : and soon after Gates had taken com- 
mand at Fishkill, a general order was issued by him, ap- 
pointing Major Stevens, as by order of Congress and with the 
approbation of the Commander-in-Chief, to the command of 
the Artillery in the Northern and Middle Department.| This 
appointment of a junior officer, over a superior who had 
been once designated as commander of artillery over the 
northern department ; and who had exercised the functions 
of that branch of service with acknowledged ability in the 
Middle : particularly in favor of one who had been origin- 
ally considered as belonging to his regiment, could not fail 

* t Lamb papers, N. Y. His. Soc. | Gate's geiieral order. 



200 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

to be extremely unpalatable to Colonel Lamb ; and he was 
therefore not backward in expressing his indignation. He 
wrote to the President of Congress in the following terms. 

Farmington, 4 July, 1778. 
Honored Sir: 

Enclosed you have an extract from Gen. Gates's orders, 
bearing date the 4th June, by which it appears, that I am 
superseded in the command of the artillery in the middle de- 
partment, by an inferior officer. 

As I have too high an opinion of the justice of Congress, 
to suppose that they have designedly cast such unmerited re- 
flection upon me; or would give their sanction to so flagrant 
an act of injustice; I have (tho' reluctantly) ventured to trou- 
ble you on this disagreeable subject, and to request that you 
will be pleased to honor me, with a line, and enclose me a 
copy of the resolve, respecting Col. Stevens's appointment. 
I am, 

Most Respectfully, 

Your Honor's 

Most ob't servant, 

John Lamb.* 
Hon'ble John Hancock. 

He also wrote to the Commander-in-Chief, and to Gen. 
Knox, remonstrating against the injustice, and was fully re- 
solved to resist the palpable flagrancy of so unmilitary a pro- 
ceeding.! His disgust at these proceedings, were not less- 
ened on the arrival of Capt. Mott at Farmington, with his 
company, ordered from Fishkill, to relieve a company sta- 
tioned there, that they might march to camp, in order to in 
crease the command of Lieut. -Col. Stevens at that place.f 
The following letter to Col. Malcom, Adjutant-General of 
Gates army, was written on the spur of the last aggression; 
and is characteristic of a man, jealous of his rights, and re- 
solved to maintain them: 

* Lamb papers, N. Y. His. Soc. f Idem. t Idem. 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 201 

Farmington, 4 July, 1778. 
Dear Sir: ' 

Your letter of the 25th ult., (per Capt. Mott), came duly 
to hand; the contents of which, I must confess, astonished 
me to the last degree. What in the Devil's name, could in- 
duce Gen. Gates to order Capt. iMott's company upwards of 
ninety miles, (to relieve Capt. Buckland's), in extreme hot 
weather, to the prejudice of their health, and manifest in- 
jury to the publick service? Is it because we have too great 
a number of troops in the American army, and therefore ab- 
solutely necessary to take some of them off by murdering 
them with sickness? No ! I do not suppose this to be the 
reason, but that the General was inclined, partially, to favor 
Stevens, by collecting his corps together; and thus insult me, 
by maltreating the officers and soldiers who are under my 
command. 

If he has any particular pique or spleen against me, it 
would redound much more to his honor, to have manifested it 
to me personally, than to wreak his resentment against the 
officers and men. I am no stranger, (I assure you) to Gen. 
Gates's partiality in favor of Col. Stevens, as it but too evi- 
dently appeared, on my application to him, respecting his or- 
dering part of Stevens's corps, to relieve that part of Walker's 
company, (of my reg't) which are now at Fort Schuyler; 
this he declined doing, altho' the public service demanded it, 
(as they were one hundred miles nearer that post), and put 
me off in the most trifling manner, by saying that Stevens 
would choose to have his corps together; as if less attention 
ought to be paid to the application of a superior officer, than 
to that of an inferior. 

I am just now furnished with an extract from general or- 
ders of the 4th June, that strikes immediately at me; and by 
which, I conceive myself insulted in the grossest, and most 
barefaced manner, viz: " that Lieut.-Col. Ebenezer Stevens, 
by the direction of Congress, and the approbation of His Ex- 
cellency, Gen. Washington, is appointed to the command of 
the artillery of the northern, and middle department." This 
is the height of absurdity; for it would be ridiculous to sup- 
pose that Congress, and Gen. Washington, would give their 
sanction to a measure so inconsistent with all military rule, 
and order, as to direct an inferior officer to command a su- 
perior; I have written to Congress, and His Excellency, re- 
specting this matter, and have transmitted them a copy of 

26 



202 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

the order. I shall wait their answer before I take any steps 
in consequence of it. 

Good Heavens ! if this be the base, and cruel treatment we 
are to meet with, for sacrificing our property, destroying our 
health, risquing our lives, and bleeding in the defence of our 
country; it is high time for every man of spirit, to quit a 
service, where superior officers may insult with impunity, and 
where mal-treatment is to be the only reward we are to re- 
ceive, for bravely doing our duty as officers, and soldiers. I 
flatter myself, however, that it will not be many days before 
I shall again act in the line of a private citizen; when I shall 
dare to call to a severe account, those who have injured or in- 
sulted me, let their characters, or rank in life, be what they 
will. I have not to add, being, 

Dear Sir, Yours, &c.. 

Col. Malcom. John Lamb.* 

The battle anticipated, in public expectation, on the re- 
treat of the British from Philadelphia, had been fought, and 
Washington was pressing onward for the North River. The 
hopes which Col. Lamb indulged of sharing in this battle, 
were disappointed; but next to a successful participation in 
an action so honorable to the American name; he was gra- 
tified by the applause gained by his brother in arms, Oswald, 
who with Banmans, Doughty, Mansfield, and Bliss's compa- 
nies of the regiment, performed signal service;! ^^^ acquired 
new claims to the confidence of their superiors; as will ap- 
pear by the following extract of a letter from Gen. Knox, 
written some days after the battle: 

" 19th July, 1778. 
I this morning received your favor of the 4th instant; 
I am very sorry for the circumstances which very justly have 
given you such disgust; but I hope upon joining the 
army, they will be all removed to your entire satisfaction. 
I shall deliver your letter to his Excellency, and that to Col. 
Oswald : who is one of the best officers of the array, and an 
acquisition to the corps of artillery. I thank you for your 
congratulations on the affair of the 28th. Our corps, as 
usual, did themselves the justice to behave like men, con- 
tending in the great cause of liberty and their country."| 

* Lamb papers, N. Y. His. Soc. fldem, | Idem. 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 203 

Another testimony to the merits of Col. Oswald is to be 
found in a letter of Gen. Lee, of 3d July, 1778, to the Trenton 
Gazette. " The behavior of the whole, both men and offi- 
cers, was so equally good, that it would be unjust to make 
discriminations; though I confess it is difficult to refrain 
from paying compliments to the artillery, from Gen. Knox, 
and Col. Oswald, down to the very drivers." 

The same letter contained pressing injunctions to hasten 
on the artillery to White Plains. Col. Lamb lost no time in 
accomplishing his orders. In obedience to which he wrote 
to Governor Trumbull of Connecticut in the following 
terms :* 

Farmington, 22d July, 1778. 
Sir: 

It being his Excellency Gen. Washington's orders, that 
great part of the artillery at this place be immediately moved 
to White Plains, and a guard of militia procured for its secu- 
rity on the way. I have thought proper to send the bearer, 
Lieut. Strachan, to your excellency, to request your ordering 
one hundred of the militia, (including officers,) for that pur- 
pose. 

As it is highly probable that Gen. Washington has some- 
thing serious and important in contemplation, and means to 
act in conjunction with the French squadron which is now 
off Sandy Hook; and being apprehensive that his intended 
operations may be retarded for want of the artillery; I must 
entreat your excellency, to give the necessary orders for the 
above mentioned number of militia, to march immediately 
to this place. I shall be happy to be honored with a line 
from you, and am, with the greatet respect, 
Your Excellency's 

Most Obd't. Humb. Serv't. 

John Lamb.I 

His Excellency, Governor Trxjmbull. 

Col. Lamb had not reached the Park at camp, before he 
was apprised that more vexations waited him, growing out 
of that fruitM source of contention " relative rank."t Capt. 

* Lamb papers. t Idem. J Idem. 



204 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

Mott, with two of his companies, had preceded him by a 
single day; and was apprised that seniority was claimed by 
Col. Harrison, of Virginia. This point had been mooted at 
Valley Forge, and the difficulty was then obviated by regi- 
mental musters.* At White Plains, Col. Harrison assumed the 
same pretensions, and Capt. Mott, who was as jealous of the 
honor of the regiment as his superior; and was unwilling 
to establish any precedent against it, neglected to muster his 
companies at the general parade; receiving from the com- 
manding officer of artillery in the camp, an admonition on 
the occasion. On the arrival of Col. Lamb, he addressed a 
letter to the Commander-in-Chief, on the 12th August, re- 
questing that a board of officers might be appointed, to set- 
tle the disputed precedence, which could not be immediately 
accorded, but which afterwards met, and the matter was 
satisfactorily adjusted in his favor.f 

* Lamb papers, t Idem, 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 205 



CHAPTER XV. 

Consequences of the Battl* of Monmouth. — Gates Faction. — Meditated 
Attack on New York. — Confidence of Success. — Letter of Malcom.— • 
Of Secretary of Congress. — Of Gen. Lovel. — Gates's General Order un- 
authorized. — Oswald resigns. — Camp at White Plains breaks up. — 
Distress of the Men. — Mott's Letter. — Lamb left in command of the 
Artillery on the River. — Design on Canada. — Relinquished. — Army 
concentrated in the Highlands. — Letter of Du Simitiere. — " The Sta- 
tue." — Lieut. -Col. Stevens appointed to Lamb's Regiment. — Supine- 
nessof Congress. — Of the People. — Letter of Gov. Clinton. — Of Sears. 
—1778, 1779. . 

The Gates faction were at first extremely elated at the re- 
sult of the affair of Monmouth, and the consequent arrest of 
Lee; hoping that the combined influence of both the factious 
generals, would be sufficient to enable them to triumph over 
Washington. But the " monster party" had received its 
death blow in Congress; and the tide of public opinion, re- 
ceived a new and proper impulse, from the bold measures of 
the commander-in-chief. The star of the northern hero, as his 
friends were fond of calling him, was no longer lord of the 
ascendant; and with its wane, began to decline his malig- 
nant influence in the army. 

When the army took post at White Plains, it was ex- 
pected that an attack would have been made upon New York, 
with the cooperation of the French fleet, which had recently 
arrived at the Hook. But Count D'Estaing, apprehending 
difficulty in crossing the bar with some of his ships, which 
were of unusual size, relinquished the design of cooperation, 
and the attempt on the city was postponed.* 

So confident were the hopes of the capture of the metro- 
polis, that it was considered as actually in our possession; 

* Marshall. 



206 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

and plans were in agitation to prevent the restoration of the 
lukewarm and loyalist factions, to the supremacy which had 
exercised such dangerous influence, in 1774, and 1775. 

The following letter from Col. Malcom, will exhibit the 
apprehensions which were felt on the occasion; and the com- 
binations which were relied on, to counterpoise the mis- 
chievous influences anticipated. 

July 25, 1778. 
Dear Sir : 

In all human probability, the enemy will soon leave York. 
That will open a scene, which will require perhaps equal 
exertions with any that whigs have yet been called to. A 
thousand stratagems are already formed, to prostrate all the 
fruits of our toils and dangers. Aristocracy will rear its 
head, ere our great ones are one week peaceably settled in 
the metropolis; and Tories, Paracides, of every rank, will be 
pardoned, countenanced, and protected, to strengthen the 
hands of that party. It's time to look out. You know there 
(are) but few, that will take the labouring oar, tho' many 
that will follow, and shove along. I wish you and Col. 
Hughes were here. Col. Troup* waits with me to hear from 
you. I hope you can come; but if anything absolutely pre- 
vents, do pray write at large. Converse with H. H. (Col. 
Hughes); propose, and give us by him, a plan to begin on. 
Make a catalogue of such men as occur to you, that we may 
form an early association. I will not even suggest to your 
wise head, because I look to you. 
In haste, 
Y'rs affectionately, 

W. Malcom. 
Colonel Lamb. 

Another letter from the same gentleman, who had acted 

for a short time as adjutant-general of Gates's army, will 

serve to show the negligence which prevailed in the middle 

department. 

*FoRT Arnold, Aug. 2, 1778. 

Dr Sir : 

A few days before I left the camp, I rec'd a packet from 

• Gen. Gates's aid. 

* This was the name given to the first fortification at West Point. 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 207 

you, not a line in it for my perusal. The enclosures were 
forwarded; and a few days brought me your letter of the 4th 
ult., which by mistake w'ent to Gen. Knox — no great matter 
— and I dare say, has had the honor of a reading at head 
quarters. 

The Commander-in-Chief being now on the ground, will 
procure you, I dare say, deliverance from all the grievances 
complained of in your letter. I lament very much the occa- 
sion of them, for a variety of reasons. 

On the arrival of the General, I was sent to this command; 
which I found in just as bad order, as even your imagination 
can conceive. Will you believe, that there was not one 
pound of meat in the garrison of any kind; and but two 
hundred barrels of flour — altho' General Glover told me 
every thing was complete. If the enemy do come, I shall 
fight them in the field, which is my only chance. The works 
are not worth a farthing; but I flatter myself they will never 
more pass Dobb's Ferry. 

I have now some spare time, which I will devote to cor- 
respond with my friends. I hope to hear from you w^hen op- 
portunity offers. 

I hoped the army would have attempted York when united; 
but I think there are other objects — perhaps for the best. 
Great men another year. 

My best respects to Mrs. Lamb and family, and believe me, 
y'rs affectionately, 

W. Malcom.* 
Colonel Lamb. 

Agreeably to the request made to the Commander-in- 
Chief of the 13th, a board of officers were ordered to assem- 
ble to settle the matter in dispute between the two officers of 
artillery:! and a letter having been written to Gen. Arnold 
at Philadelphia,! requesting him to procure from the records 
of Congress some information in relation to it, the following 
letter from the secretary of that body, was received in reply: 

Sir: 

I return enclosed the letter from Mr. Lamb, with the reso- 
lution respecting Col. Harrison's regiment of artillery. It 
does not appear that the regiment was raised with a view to 

* Lamb papers, N. Y. His. Soc. t Idem. J Idem 



208 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

any particular service. When Gen. Lee was going to the 
southward to command there, a comp'y of artillery, at his 
request, was ordered to be raised in Virginia: afterwards an- 
other was added. When the regiment was determined on, 
these two companies were to compose a part of the regiment. 
I wish the information I give, may settle the matter to the 
satisfaction of all concerned; and particularly of Col. Lamb, 
of whom I entertain a high opinion. 
I am, Sir, 

Your humble serv., 

Aug. 29, 1778. Chas. Thompson.* 

Gen. Arnold. 

No answer having been received from the President of 
Congress in regard to the general order of Gates, superceding 
Col. Lamb in the command of the artillery; some unpleasant 
feelings began to arise in his mind, in consequence of the 
supposed neglect, when a letter arrived from Mr. Lovel, a 
member of Congress, explaining the cause of the delay. 

August 8th, 1778. 
Sir: 

Mr. Hancock having left Philadelphia, before the arrival 
of your letters, of July 6, which were delivered to me from 
the post office, the 4th inst. 

I have sent the resolve, passed on the 30th of April, rela- 
tive to the officer concerning whom, you wrote to Mr. H. 

I apprehend this is what the general orders refer to. You 
will let me know whether it is in my way, to do you any 
other pleasure, than by inclosing your letter to Mr. H., hav- 
ing already mentioned to him that I should do so. 

Your humble serv't, 

James LovEL.f 
Col. Lamb. 

The resolve above alluded to, was simply to appoint Maj. 
Stevens, of the artillery, a Lieutenant-Colonel by brevet of 
infantry; and the assumption of the general order, was wholly 
the fruit of the arrogance of Gates, and of his overweening 
partiality for Lieut.-Col. Stevens, combined with some ma- 
levolence against Col. Lamb. The consequence of this pre- 

*Lamb papers, N. Y. His. Soc. fldem. 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 209 

dilection of Gates for particular officers, had the usual effect 
of souring the minds of those who happened to be on the 
shady side of the General's favor, and of exciting strong pre- 
judices against the more fortunate individuals, who enjoyed 
the sunshine.* This was the case with Col. Lamb, whose 
feelings had been most outraged on the occasion; and it was 
not imtil after active operations in the field, with that excel- 
lent officer, and a community of service and danger, which 
brought them into close contact, that the feelings then pro- 
duced against Lieut.-Col. Stevens, were wholly removed.f 

That fruitful cause of dissatisfaction, and contention, the 
claim of relative rank, threw some of the best officers out of 
the ranks of service; and Col. Lamb was deprived of his ex- 
cellent coadjutor, Oswald, who was by some outrageous in- 
justice compelled to resign.J 

Orders were given to prepare for marching, and the army 
was soon expected to be put in motion. That the situation 
of the men at White Plains, was something like that at Val- 
ley Forge, the preceding winter, will be evinced by the fol- 
lowing extract of a letter from Capt. Mott; which at the 
same time that it exhibits the sufferings of the men, will also 
illustrate the sympathies of some of those who commanded 
them: 

24 November, 1778.§ 
" Ten of my men are barefooted, and can not endure the 
march, unless supplied; therefore, as shoes are to be had at 
the Clothier-General's store, I think it would be best to draw 
them from thence immediately. I will be accountable for 
them, and charge them to the men; as I had rather pay all 
the money I am possessed of, and finally lose it, than com- 
mand men on a severe march, when I am sensible they can 
not do the duty required of them." 

While the army was at White Plains, and Col. Lamb at 
head quarters, there were no conflicting claims of command, 

* Lamb papers, N. Y. His. Soc. t Idem. t Idem. $ Idem. 

27 



210 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

arising out of the general order of Gates, of the 4th June ; 
but upon the determination to go into winter quarters, the 
following order was issued by Gen, Knox, which effectually 
established the point in dispute, and put an end to the disa- 
greeable feelings, which the unwarrantable measure of Gen. 
Gates, had occasioned: 

Fredericksburg, 25th Nov. 1778. 
Sir: 

The principal part of the army, under His Excellency, Gen. 
Washington, being ordered to cross the Hudson River, to take 
up winter quarters in the Jersies, among which are the park 
of artillery, and myself; you will remain on this side, as 
commanding officer of artillery. There will be two compa- 
nies of your battalion, and one of Col. Cranes, stationed with 
the troops at Danbury; three companies of Col. Cranes's, 
with the troops under Gen. McDougall, in, and about the 
Highlands; and one company of Lieut.-Col. Stevens, and 
one of Col. Proctor's, at Forts Arnold, and Constitution, on 
the river." 

You will please to be particular, in not granting, or re- 
commending either officers or men, for furloughs, except on 
pressing emergencies. Some operations which may proba- 
bly be undertaken in the course of the winter, render this hint 
necessary." 

Col. Lamb.* 

The hint above alluded to, in all probability, referred to a 
plan of the Commander-in-Chief, to make an attempt upon 
the passes by Lake Champlain, into Canada; and against the 
forts on the lakes, during the winter.f But this plan was 
absorbed in the gigantic scheme of a campaign, which had 
been concocted in Congress, without consulting the Com- 
mander-in-Chief, or any other military officer, and which was 
based upon the visionary hope and expectation, that the Brit- 
ish intended to evacuate the country, and abandon the contest. 
When this project of the Congress, which assumed that the 
war for defence was ended, and a new one for conquest, had 
become expedient, was disclosed to Washington; his saga- 

•Lamb papers, N. Y. His. Soc. t Marshall. 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 211 

city immediately perceived the baseless fabric of the design, 
and he exerted all his influence to persuade its projectors to 
abandon it. This was done with extreme difficulty. The 
greater undertaking being relinquished, the lesser was not 
executed, and the movements of the enemy, rendered neces- 
sary, a concentration of the army near the passes of the High- 
lands.* 

Among the friends and correspondents of Colonel Lamb, 
was a French gentleman, named Du Simitiere,! who had 
taken up the occupation of a miniature painter, and who was 
a great antiquary, virtuosi, and collector of curiosities ; and 
it is even said that his cabinet formed the basis of Peale's 
Museum, and his collections, that of the Historical So- 
ciety of Philadelphia. This gentleman was the translator 
into French of the manifesto of Congress to the Canadians, 
at the invasion under Montgomery, and he happened to be in 
Philadelphia when the British took possession, where he re- 
mained after the evacuation. As the correspondence of one 
friend with another, is illustrative of the characters of both ; 
and as one of the letters which passed between them had 
some relation to forgotten facts, it is inserted entire. 

My dear Sir : 

It is now two years, since I have been deprived of the 
pleasure of seeing you ; and the hope of meeting with you 
again soon, joined with an unaccountable aversion to letter 
writing, have been the only causes, of your not hearing di- 
rectly from me : which I must acknowledge, might appear at 
first, negligence, but it is far from being the case. I still, and 
shall ever, retain for you the same sincere attachment and re- 
gard, contracted by a friendship of so many years standing : 
and I please myself, wuth the thought, that you still continue 
me a share of your affection. 

As often as opportunities have occurred, I have not failed 
of inquiring very particularly after you ; and was much 
concerned to hear you had been wounded at Danbury. If it 
is your fate to be wounded in every action your are engaged 

* Marshall. t Lamb papers, N. Y. His. Soc. 



1 



212 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

in you share that fate with very great men : Among the 
rest, the famous Mareschal De Rantzau ; who had an epi- 
taph made for him, which for its brevity I insert here for 
your amusement. 

Du corps du grand Rantzau, tu n'as qu'unedes pars j 
L'autre moitie resta, dans les plaines de Mars : 
II dispersa, partout, ses membres et sa gloire ; 
Tout abbattu qu'il fut, il demeurra vainqueur : 
Son sang fut en cent lieux, le prix de sa victoire. 
Et Mars ne lui laissa rien d'entier, que le coeur. 

Translation. 

A remnant, here, of mighty Rantzau lies ! 
The rest lie bleaching on the battle plain : 
Where, in his num'rous toils and victories, 
He left his members, amid heaps of slain, 
Each triumph, cost his martial frame a part, 
And left entire, alone, the warrior's heart. 

This is very brilliant, but in my opinion, it is acquiring 
glory, at a very dear rate ; may you my dear friend, con- 
tinue in the field of honor, at somewhat less expence ; for 
the sake of yourself, your family, and friends. 

I find the catastrophe of my imprisonment, and its disa- 
greeable circumstances, had reached your ears. I would 
willingly give you a particular account of this unfortunate 
passage of my life, but it is attended with such concentra- 
tion of particular events ; the recital of which, would be 
very long, and far exceed the bounds of a letter ; and per- 
haps prove tedious reading after all ; that therefore, I shall 
content myself to inform you, that I was put in prison soon 
after the British took possession of this city ; some of my 
papers siezed by the Town Major ; my apartment locked 
up, and the key and papers, carried to the Commandant, 
Lord Cornwall is. My confinement lasted three weeks, and 
three days ; during which time I suffered a variety of hard- 
ships, and much anxiety, especially as I could not well learn 
the cause of my imprisonment, only in general, for my hav- 
ing transacted business for Congress : Being a dangerous 
person, unfriendly to government — of republican principles, 
&c., &c. : Nor did the letters I wrote to several, avail any 
thing. However, at last, by the intercession of an old friend 
of mine, to some persons in power, I was restored to my lib- 
erty, without ever having been examined, interrogated, or 
even asked a single question. My key and my papers were 
returned to me, and my room was never searched, nor even 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 213 

opened during the whole time of my being confined. But 
notwithstanding I was thus liberated, I was not for many 
months afterwards, without fear of another arrest. I had 
beside, a world of difficulties to struggle with. In the spring 
1 met with some employment among the officers of the Brit- 
ish army ; but that lasted but a little while, for as soon as 
Lord North's speech came over, their thoughts were all 
turned upon it : and soon after, the orders for the heavy 
baggage to be put on board was the first signal of their depart- 
ure ; which they etfected at last in the quietest manner im- 
maginable. They did not go away, they vanished, to the 
great joy of every friend of America. 

It would be in vain to attempt to give you an account of 
the devastation they committed in the environs of the city, 
indiscriminately, on whig and tory property : but am very 
certain, that you would not know them again. The perse- 
cution that numbers of worthy citizens underwent, from the 
malice of the tories, the tyranny of the police on all those 
they supposed to be friends to the liberties of America ; all 
these, would fill up a volume. To describe to you the luxu- 
rious way of living of the officers of that army, cooped up 
within their lines, for several months : Their gambling, 
plays, balls, gallantries, &c. &c. ; and to conclude, to de- 
scribe the entertainment given by them to their General 
Howe, (which they called Meschianza) would hardly be 
worth while, and not in my power to do : Let it suffice, that 
they staid here near nine months without doing anything 
tow^ards their pretended conquest of the country, and at last, 
went away to the place from whence they came ; but did 
not reach it so numerous, as when they left the city, having 
met with rubbers on their way thither ; and there I shall 
leave them. 

As to the transactions here, since the time that this city 
returned into the hands of its lawful possessors, I could in- 
form you of nothing more than what you have long since 
seen in our papers. 

I shall now return to my little affairs. As you have seen 
above, I was fortunate enough to save my collection, which 
has greatly increased, since you was here; and to which, by 
the assistance of a few acquaintances, I am adding now and 
then something to; and as I have a whole house to myself, 
and a very good apartment for it, it appears with much 
greater advantage, and is more cominodiously seen, than ever 
it was before. How happy would I be, to see you in my 



214 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

hermitage ! From you, my dear friend, I have received many 
valuable additions to ray cabinet; and it is very unlucky that 
as I am lately informed by Col. Oswald, the fragment of the 
statue,* which he told me you sent me last summer twelve 
months, has never come to my hands; nor any letter from 
you, if you have wrote any, which is a great disappoint- 
ment. The above gentleman informs me, that he thinks 
most of the statue is preserved still in some part of the east- 
ward.! If that is the case, it might perhaps be possible for 
you, to procure another piece at some future time. He told 
me that the piece you sent me, was some of the locks of 
hair. Now we had a report here formerly, that the whole 
head had been found by the enemy at Fort Washington; and 
another account said, that it was found near Harlem; but it 
seems that all this is not true, since you had some of the hair, 
which undoubtedly grew upon some part of the head. 

I have been positively assured, that the sword has been 
seen in this city the winter before last; but I could never 
discover in whose possession it was. Since I am on this 
topic, I can not avoid reminding you of a promise you have 
been so obliging as to make me, from time to time, of your 
collections of manuscript, in the time of the Stamp act, at 
New York. These would indeed be a very valuable acqui- 
sition, and fill up a chasm in my repository; having none 
but printed papers of that period. May I beg the favor of 
you to fulfill ydxxv promise, by sending these papers to me by 
some gentleman of your army coming this way, which hap- 

* This undoubtedly alludes to one of the two statues erected on the re- 
peal of the Stamp Act; and probably to the leaden statue of the King, 
placed in the Bowling Green, which was pulled down on receiving the 
news of the Declaration of Independence in July, 1776, and cast into balls 
for the use of the Patriot Army. If so, it is difficult to conceive how a 
fragment of it could have been in the possession of Lamb, who was at 
the time of its prostration, a prisoner at Quebec; unless he had tried the 
temper of his sword on tlie saturnine effigy of royalty, previous to his 
march to the North : an exploit which, as an inflexible republican, he 
was very likely to have performed. 

t " At the breaking out of the war, this statue was overthrown, and 
lead being highly valuable, was sent to Gen. Wolcott's, at Litchfield, for 
safe keeping, where, in process of time, it was cut up and run into bul- 
lets by his daughters and their friends. An account of the number of 
cartridges made by each, is still preserved among the family papers. ' 
Gibbs'' Administrations Washington and Mams^ from the Wolcott papers 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 215 

pens very frequently. I must conclude this article, by letting 
you know, that my collection is very deficient of New York 
papers in general; I mean newspapers, hand bills, and all 
kinds of other political publications; especially of last year 
and this; as I have nobody there that sends them to me, and 
gather only a few now and then here. While I lived with 
the worthy Mr. Ph. Livingston, he always gave me the pa- 
pers he received from thence. He died, much regretted at 
Yorktown, last spring, in the faithful discharge of his trust 
to his injured country; and I have much lamented his loss; 
he was a good patron of mine. If it falls in your way to 
collect any papers, new or old, send them to me, I beg of 
you. 

I shall now take my leave of you for the present, and hope 
that I shall soon receive some lines from you. It '11 be a great 
satisfaction to me, to hear that you are in good health; and 
my warmest wishes I tender to you, for its continuation. 

My insignificance is so great here, that I can hardly pre- 
sume to offer my services, in what you might have occasion 
of, but this I can sincerely assure you, that it would be the 
greatest pleasure to me, to give you some proofs of the sin- 
cere esteem, and unfeigned friendship, with which I remain, 
Dear Sir, 

Your most affectionate & 

most obedient, humble servant, 

Du SiMITIERE, 

in Fourth street, near the Academy. 
Philad'a, November 24th, 1778. 

Col. Lamb. 

P. S. I inclose this letter, under cover of His Excellency, 
the Governor of your State, as I am not certain of your place 
of residence.* 

Gen. Gates had been ordered to the command at Boston, 
and the companies under Lieut-Col. Stevens, had been con- 
solidated with Crane's regiment; but notwithstanding this 
order, Stevens, by some means contrived to maintain a sepa- 
rate command, until he was transferred to Lamb's regiment.f 

That officer, who, by a resolve of Congress, had been made 
Lieutenant-Colonel of Artillery, to rank from the date of his 

* Lamb papers, Journals Congress, N. Y. His. Soc. tidem. 



216 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

brevet, and entitled to service at the next vacancy, was as- 
signed to Lamb's regiment, to supply the place of Lieut- 
Col. Oswald, who had resigned his command; and accord- 
ingly, Stevens joined that part of the corps, at the park at 
head quarters.* 

The dream of Congress, that the war of defence was ended, 
seemed to have been infectious, and the people at large were 
falling into the same delusion.f So little energy was exhi- 
bited in the prosecution of the public business, that the Le- 
gislature of New York, which had been ordered to assemble 
on the 8th January, had not, twelve days after that period, 
gathered in sufficient numbers, to form a quorum for business. 
Gov. Clinton, whose sagacity, like that of Washington, could 
not be blinded to the alarming apathy which prevailed, de- 
plored this supineness of the people, in a letter to Col. Lamb, 
in the following terms: 

PouGHKEEPSiE, 20 January, 1779. 
" Our Legislature were to have met at this place on the 8th 
instant, but a sufficient number of members have not yet ap- 
peared, to proceed on business; when there will, God only 
knows. So little attention is paid to the public weal, by the 
guardians of the rights of the people, as to discourage me, 
more than I can well express." 

I am, Dr Sir, in the utmost haste. 

Your Most Obed't Serv't, 

Geo. Clinton.J 
Col. Lamb. 

Nor were these gloomy apprehensions without cause; the 
dissensions in Congress, artfully fomented by the intrigues of 
the British commissioners; and the general yearning for peace, 
occasioned by the opening of negotiations, had paralized the 
public mind to an alarming degree. Another patriotic 
friend,! viewed the perilous crisis, with equal alarm; and 
although he was removed jfrom the dangers of the war, in 
the peaceful pursuits of his former occupation, he was yet 

* Journal Congress. 

t Lamb papers, N. Y. His. Soc. J Idem. 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 217 

awake to the evil auguries of the time, and expressed his 
fears as follows: 

Boston, January 18, 1779. 
Dear Sir: 

In looking over the late newspapers, I read the piece of 
Silas Deane, and Common Sense's answer, which was very 
alarming to me, when I consider the fate of this country de- 
pends on the virtue of its representatives. I have, within 
these few days past, met with something more alarming. I 
am informed, by a gentleman of veracity, that G. M.,* from 
your state, declared himself in the following words, just be- 
fore he was chosen a member of Congress: " I thank God, 
we in this state, have the keys of the thirteen United States, 
in our own hands, and it is in our power, to give them up to 
the King of Great Britain, if they will not secure to us, those 
lands that are so justly claimed." The majority of the mem- 
bers of Congress, are truly worthy of great veneration; but 
remember the fate of Cato's virtuous Senate. For God's sake, 
let us be on our guard; and if we have any incendiaries 
among us, find them out." The gentleman who made the 
above declaration, is ready to make oath to the same, if 
called on before Congress, whose name will be given up, if 
requested. 

I am, Sir, 

Your Obed't H'ble Serv't, 

Isaac Sears.I 

Col. John Lamb. 

* Gouverneur Morris. — This, in all probability, was one of the thou- 
sand rumors, circulated by the British, to scatter dissensions among the 
patriots. fLamb papers, N. Y. His. Soc. 



28 



218 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 



CHAPTER XVI. 

Appointed Surveyor of Ordnance. — Dispute of Rank with CoL Crane. — 
Correspondence with Gen. Parsons. — Verplanck's, and Stoney Point 
taken. — Probability of an Attack on West Point. — Alacrity of the 
Militia. — Ordered to West Point. — Stoney Point Stormed. — Design on 
Verplanck's, fails. — Relative Rank with Crane decided against him. — 
Tenders his Resignation to Washington. — Not accepted. — Washing- 
ton's Letter. — Gov. Clinton's Letter. — Appeals to Congress. — Con- 
tinues in Command. — Camp Rumors. — Letter of Col. Carrington. — 
Gen. Parsons prevents Recruits to Artillery. — Ordered by Washington 
to desist. 

It was not until the opening of the year, that Congress 
seemed to rouse themselves from torpor, and seriously began 
to prepare for the approaching campaign.* Col. Lamb, then 
on furlough, had been called to camp by Gen. McDougall, 
and after dispatching some special business of his depart- 
ment, again resumed his leave of absence. Before this had 
expired, he received a commission from the war office, ap- 
pointing him, on the 6th March, Surveyor of Ordnance, and 
he immediately assumed the duties of that station.f 

While yet at home, he received a letter from the Com- 
mander-in-Chief, apprising him of his intention, to order a 
board of general officers, to assemble, in order to settle the 
claims of rank of the colonels of artillery, which had not yet 
been fully adjusted. Agreeably to this order, he transmitted 
to head quarters, a detail of his pretensions of seniority, 
which according to the resolves of Congress, and former pre- 
cedents in the army, he deemed sufficient to establish his 
claims.| 

Community of service, had brought on a friendship with 
Major Samuel Shaw, aid-de-camp to the general of artillery; 
and in an official communication in regai-d to Col Lamb's 

♦ Marshall. tLamb papers, N. Y. His. Soc. JIdem. 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 219 

recent appointment, that gentleman closed, by some remarks 
upon the aspect of public affairs: 

Artillery Quarters, Pluckemin, 

15th March, 1779. 

" I congratulate you on the present promising aspect of 
our public affairs, arising from the friendly disposition of 
many respectable European powers. All things, will no 
doubt, go well with our Israel at last. It was to be wished, 
however, she would render herself more worthy of the bless- 
ings in store for lier. 

People are much divided in their opinion, respecting the 
operations of the present year. Whether we shall have a 
campaign or not, seems with some a question. I wish the 
conjectures may not have an undue influence on our pre- 
parations, and betray us into an error. At all events, we 
ought to be ready; it will do us no harm. To be in a con- 
dition of sustaining a war properly, is one of the surest 
means of procuring an advantageous peace. 
I am dear Colonel, 
Your affectionate Friend and humb. Servt. 

S. Shaw.* 

Col. Lamb. 

Movements began to exhibit themselves on the part of the 
enemy, w'hich caused the camp at Peekskill, to be on the 
alert. An express from General McDougall, to Gov. Trum- 
bull at Hartford, left a letter for Col. Lamb, which induced 
him, without delay, to repair to the North river.f For some- 
time the enemy so masked their designs, that they could not 
be penetrated; and head quarters, and the river camp, were 
equally at fault, with regard to their destination.! Under- 
standing that the board of officers to decide the question of 
relative rank, w^ere to assemble at Pluckemin, Col. Lamb 
went to that place, to prefer his claims; and remained there, 
until after Stoney Point, and Fort Fayette, at Verplanck's, 
were taken by the enemy.§ 

Some rumors, prejudicial to the reputation of Gen. Par- 
sons, then at West Point, having gained currency; he sur- 

* Lamb papers, N. Y. His. Soc. fldem, J Idem. § Idem, 



220 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

mised that they had been countenanced by Col. Lamb; and 
consequently, he wrote to him for explanation; to which let- 
ter he received the following reply : 

Pluckemin, 21st May, 1779. 
Sir : 

Yours of the 29th April, I received a few days since, in 
which you mention, your having been informed that I have 
propagated reports, prejudicial to your reputation. 

With respect to your conduct to the inhabitants below the 
lines, I do not recollect that I ever heard any body charge 
you with plundering, or doing them the least injury; nor 
have I ever heard that you v/as suspected of holding cor- 
respondence, or trading with the enemy; and altho' I shall 
ever presume to speak freely of the misconduct of men who 
act in public character; I am ever cautious of reporting any 
thing tu the prejudice of others, unless I have it in my power 
to prove the facts, either from my own knowledge, or the 
testimony of others, in whose veracity I can confide. 

In regard to one of the charges which you mention, " that 
of having employed a number of soldiers on board a private 
vessel of war;" the matter stands thus. Sometime in May, 
1778, Lieut. Waring, of Capt. Lockwood's company, com- 
plained to me at West Point, of the severity of his duty; 
owing to your having furloughed Capt. Lockwood, Lieut. 
Brewster, a sergeant, and four men, for the purpose of cruiz- 
ing in the sound, on board of a galley, in which he said, you 
were deeply concerned. 

As this complaint was made to me at a time when that 
post was liable to be attacked by the enemy; I conceived it 
a duty which I not only owed the public, but my own repu- 
tation, to make immediate application to Gen. McDougall, 
requesting he would order Lockwood, and Brewster, with the 
men under their command, to join the company without delay. 
This application was made officially, and I do not know that 
I have mentioned it to any other person. It is probable, 
however, that I may have spoken of it to some of my offi- 
cers, as the matter was no secret; it having been frequently 
mentioned by them to me. 

I flatter myself, that you will do me the justice to believe, 
that as I value my own reputation above every other consi- 
deration; so I shall ever be cautious, how I report any thing 
to the prejudice of another man's character, without good 
foundation; and that I will not deny, any thing I have said. 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 221 

If you conceive yourself injured by any thing that I have 
said or done, I shall ever be ready to give you that satisfac- 
tion, which a gentleman, and a soldier, has a right to demand 
from me.* 

I am. Sir, your humble serv't, 

John Lamb.! 
Brig. Gen. Parsons, West Point. 

Arnold, while in command at Philadelphia, was concerned 
in privateers equipped from the Delaware, and it was thought 
derogotory to a military commander to engage in such en- 
terprizes; but it does not appear that his cotemporary, al- 
though a native of the same state, suffered much from this 
transaction. 

On the news of the loss of Verplanck's Point, Col. Lamb 
hastened to Fishkill from whence he wrote the following 
letter to General Knox : 

Fishkill, 6 June, 1779. 
Dear General : 

It is impossible at present, to penetrate the designs of the 
enemy : By the best intelligence that can be had from de- 
serters, (a number of which come out daily) their main 
body now lies at Verplanck's Point, from whence, it will be 
impracticable to dislodge them : Their advanced picket is 
at Lent's Home, two miles from the Point. 

The greatest part of their ships, have gone down below 
Tappan Bay : Some of the deserters who have come in to- 
day, say that a report prevailed in their camp, that a con- 
siderable reinforcement had arrived at New York ; and that 
the ships had gone down for the purpose of bringing them 
up the river. This I believe to be no more than camp news, 

*The readiness with which the amende militaire, was tendered, was 
in strict conformity with the chivalric notions, which prevailed at that 
time to a great extent, in the army. The same weakness, at a later day, 
deprived the country of one of its greatest ornaments; who braved cer- 
tain death, rather than incur the suspicion of being wanting in a qualifi- 
cation, of which he had on all occasions, given the most unequivocal 
proofs. When will reason, religion, humanity, and common sense, get 
the better of the false principles of the code of honor. 

fLamb papers, N. Y. His. Soc. 



222 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

and (as is but too common) the lie of the day. As a 
supply of at least sixty barrels of powder is wanted for the 
gairrson of Fort Arnold, and as there is no prospect of pro- 
curing it in time from Boston ; I wish you would order that 
quantity, to be brought forward immediately from Colonel 
Ford's Mills, near Morristown. Mr, Ruddock has sent ex- 
presses to Springfield, and Boston for powder, lead, and 
musket cartridge paper, but all that he can obtain in answer 
to his application, is, that no teams can be procured to bring 
these articles forward. This has been the situation of mat- 
ters in that department, from November last : to whom this 
neglect is owing, I cannot possibly determine, but it is ex- 
tremely chagrining, to see the public suffering by the partial 
politics of some states ; who pay no attention but to their 
own particular interests. I forgot to mention the great 
want of musket cartridge paper, which must be had from 
the southward if possible, 

I have the pleasure to inform you, that the militia of this 
state, have turned out in the most exemplary manner. His 
Excellency the Governor, informs me, that he has upwards 
of two thousand from the county of Dutchess alone. This 
is a very pleasing circumstance ; and which I flatter myself, 
will produce the happiest consequences, should the ene- 
my incline to attack us, I have now to add, but my com- 
pliments to Major Shaw ; and am with the greatest respect, 

Dear General, 
Brigadier Gen, Knox, Your Ob't. Humble Serv't, 

Pluckemin. John Lamb,* 

The British General continuing to make demonstrations 
on the North river, Washington resolved to be prepared to 
meet him at all points, and turned his attention to the forts 
in the Highlands, which were considered of the first import- 
ance to his plan of operations ; and had approached his 
camp within covering distance, of these posts. At the same 
time, he caused the following letter to be written,! 

New Windsor, 29 June, 1779. 
Dear Colonel : 

His Excellency, General Washington, considering the 
great importance to this continent of the posts at West Point, 
and the absolute necessity, that the artillery on which the 

* Lamb papers. t Marshall. 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 223 

defence of these posts must ultimately depend, should be in 
the best order, and under the direction of an officer of rank 
and ability ; has directed me to desire you to repair to that 
place, and take the command of the artillery there. Many 
things are wanted for the ordnance, and I have directed Capt. 
Post, after sending the work he has on hand to New Hack- 
ensack ; or where the ordnance stores are, to repair with 
his company to West Point, to execute such ordnance work, 
as the commanding officer shall direct. 

Lieut. Burbeck's company, is not attached to any brig- 
ade. I wish them to be sent to the posts at West Point. 

I am dear Colonel, 
Your Humble serv't, 

H. Knox.* 

As soon as the public service would permit, Col. Lamb 
took the command at West Point ; but his time was divided 
between that post and Fishkill, in the prosecution of the 
duties of his department. 

The Commander-in-Chief, now meditated a simultaneous 
attack on the lower posts ; and detached a force under 
Wayne against Stoney Point, while two brigades under 
McDougall, should threaten Verplanck's, on the eastern side. 
Wayne was instructed to carry the fort with the point of the 
bayonet, and to turn the guns of the captured fortress, upon 
the vessels of the enemy, and upon the garrison on the other 
side of the river. The storm of Stoney Point, was perfect ;f 
and the ships were driven down the river : but the party 
under McDougall, not being supplied with ammunition for 
their battering train, were not in a situation to sieze the fa- 
vorable moment for attack, and lost the opportunity to cap- 
ture the place :| for the British General, immediately ad- 
vanced a heavy force across the Croton, and frustrated the 
enterprise. This misfortune compelled Washington to aban- 
don his conquest,^ and retire to his former position in the 
Highlands. 

In this brilliant affair of Wayne, Col. Lamb had the plea- 
sure to rejoice in the share of the glory gained by two of his 

* Lamb papers, N. Y. His. Soc. t Marshall. J Idem. $ Idem. 



224 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

gallant associates in the storm of Quebec, Febiger and Meigs ; 
whose regiments were engaged in the enterprise, and both 
behaved with distinguished bravery. 

The board of officers now took up the disputed question 
of rank, between Col. Lamb and his competitors. Upon the 
terms of the resolves of Congress, directing that the Conti- 
nental commissions, should take precedence of those issued 
by State authority; and in virtue of former precedents, he 
had a right to expect a determination in his favor; but to 
his mortification and surprise, the descision was otherwise; 
and Col. Crane was preferred before him. He had asked 
that Lieut.-Col. Stevens, whose personal knowledge would 
have strengthened his claims, might be examined before the 
board, which was refused; and feeling very sore at this de- 
gradation of rank, he was induced to tender his resignation; 
which he did at the close of a letter on military business to 
the Commander-in-Chief, in the following words : 

FisHKiLL, 12th August, 1779. 

" As I conceive myself greatly injured by the Board of 
General Officers, appointed to settle the rank of the officers 
of the artillery; I must beg your Excellency's permission to 
resign. This step, I can with great truth assure your Ex- 
cellency, I take with the greatest reluctance; after making 
such sacrifices of time, health and property, as I have done 
by being in the service. 

I shall ever retain the most grateful sense, of your Excel- 
lency's tenderness and attention to me, respecting my ap- 
pointment to the regiment, at a time when I was neglected 
by the public, from being a prisoner with the enemy. 

Wishing your Excellency every species of earthly felicity, 
and a succession of honors, I beg leave to subscribe myself. 
Your Excellency's 

Most Ob'd. Hum. Serv. 
His Excellency, John Lamb.* 

Gen. Washington. 

This letter was followed by an answer from head quarters, 
which after noting the matters of business contained in the 
letter of resignation, closes as follows : 

* Lamb papers, N. Y. His. Soc. 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 225 

"West Point, August the 13, 1779. 

" I sincerely wish your letter had been upon no other, than 
the subject above. It pains nie much, to find an officer of 
your rank and merit, soliciting a resignation; and I would 
willingly hope, upon further consideration, that you will de- 
cline your application. Your good sense, and judgment, will 
not permit me to expostulate with you, or to use any persua- 
sions upon the occasion; but you will remember, sir, that the 
resignation of every good officer, especially if he is of high 
rank, is attended with great injury to the public. They not 
only experience an injury in the loss of his individual ser- 
vices, but the example has an unhappy and pernicious influ- 
ence. And your case, too, has been decided by a very re- 
spectable board of officers, fully possessed of all the circum- 
stances of yours, and Col. Crane's services; and who could 
have nothing in view, but substantial justice to either party. 
I repeat my wishes, that you will decline your application; 
but if you finally determine to persevere in it, you M'ill be 
pleased to make it to Congress, as I have not of late accepted 
the resignation of any Colonel. 

I feel myself very sensibly obliged, by the terms in the 
conclusion of your letter, which are so personally interesting, 
and am. 

With great respect and esteem, 
Sir, your most ob'd, servant, 

Go. Washington.* 

Col. LAiMB. 

The body of this letter is in the hand writing of Col. Har- 
rison, the aid-de-camp and secretary; but the concluding 
sentence is in the hand of Washington himself. 

This circumstance, and the paternal character of the epistle 
generally, drew from Col. Lamb the following rejoinder : 

FisHKiLL, 19 Aug., 1779. 
Sir: 

As I was at Fredericks burgh on public business, when 
your Excellency's favor of the 13th instant reached this 
place, it did not come to hand until last evening, which will 
I presume, apologize for my not answering it sooner. 

I am extremely sorry to be under the necessity of taking 

*Lamb papers, N. Y. His. Soc. 
29 



226 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

any step, that can possibly excite pain in your Excellency's 
generous mind; or that may have the most distant tendency 
to injure the cause in which I have been embarked for a se- 
ries of years, from the most disinterested motives. But, sir, 
you must allow that it is impossible for a soldier, who is te- 
nacious of his honor, (the only jewel worth contending for) 
to suffer himself to be degraded, by being superseded; and 
his just right torn from him, and given to another, without 
resenting the cruel injury, in a becoming manner. I must 
frankly acknowledge, that my sensibilities are deeply w'ounded 
by this event; and your Excellency, can much better con- 
ceive my feelings, than I can possibly describe them. 

When I examine the general order of the 10 September 
last, and observe the principles there laid down by the com- 
mittee of arrangement for settling the rank of the army; 
which is confirmed by a subsequent resolution of Congress of 
the 28th November; I must confesSj^I am at a loss to con- 
ceive on what principle the board have decided in favor of 
Col. Crane: and it appears to me, that they have in this in- 
stance, manifestly deviated from the principles established 
by the board of officers of the whole line. 

I wish to be indulged with a sight of the proceedings of 
the board, for which purpose I will do myself the honor to 
wait on your Excellency to-morrow. I have the honor to 
be, with the greatest respect. 

Your Excellency's 

Most ob'd. humb. serv.. 
His Excellency, John Lamb.* 

Gen. Washington. 

Among other friends to whom he communicated his griefs. 
Col. Lamb wrote to Gov. Clinton, and received from him 
the following reply tf 

Po'keepsie, 26th Aug., 1779. 

Dear Sir : 

I received your letter, the moment I w^as setting out to 
meet the legislature at Kingston, or I should have answered 
it sooner. 

I perfectly agree wnth your other friends, that you ought 
to appeal from the determination of the board of general offi- 
cers, to the justice of Congress, respecting your rank; and it is 
my opinion that you can not with propriety resign, until this 

■* Lamb papers, N. Y. His. Soc. f Idem. 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 227 

shall prove ineffectual, I am sensible your situation is a deli- 
cate one; but it might equally subject you to censure, to quit 
the service without first pursuing the proper measures to ob- 
tain redress, as to continue in it, after a degradation of rank. 

I enclose you a letter to the President of Congress, men- 
tioning your case, and requesting him to interest himself, in 
obtaining a speedy, and equitable decision. This letter, you 
will either forward, or retain, according to your final deter- 
mination on the subject. 

I shall be happy, whenever it is in my power, to serve 
you, and am, d'r sir. 

With great regard. 

Your most ob'd. serv., 

Geo. Clinton.* 

Col. Lamb. 

In conformity to this suggestion. Col. Lamb addressed a 
memoir to Congress, from which the following is extracted :t 

West Point, 3d September, 1779. 
Sir: 

" It is to the honorable the Congress, sir, and to them only, 
that I must look for redress, and that justice, which the board 
have denied me. And as it is a matter in which I am deeply 
interested, and of the utmost importance to my happiness; I 
flatter myself, that the honorable the Congress, will be so in- 
dulgent as to pardon my troubling them on so disagreeable 
a subject. And I have to request, that they will please to di- 
rect, that the operations of this decision of the board of gene- 
ral officers, be suspended 'til I can be favored with a hearing; 
either before Congress, or a committee appointed by them 
for that purpose. 

As it is more than probable, that the operations of the 
campaign, may require my presence in the field 'til the close 
of it, I thought it most consistent with my duty, to make the 
application in this manner: and shall esteem myself highly 
honored to be favored with a line on the subject. 

I have the honor to be, with the greatest respect, 
Your Excellency's 

Most ob'd., hum. serv., 
His Excellency, John Lamb.J 

John Jay, Esq. 

Col. Lamb, after preferring his petition to Congress, con- 

* Lamb papers, N. Y. His. Soc. t Idem. t Idem. 



228 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

tinued in the discharge of the functions of his command; 
which was in truth, no sinecure; as much irregularity ex- 
isted in the laboratories in the eastern towns. The severity 
of these duties, brought on a painful attack of illness, which 
prevented him from meeting the Commander-in-Chief at 
West Point,* He received exhilarating news in a letter 
of 13th Sep., from Gen. Knox, informing him of the appear- 
ance of a French fleet off the Hook; and the strong proba- 
bility of an advance of our army on New York; but this 
news proved to be fabricated, and was contradicted a few 
days after ,f in a letter from Lieut. Col. Carrington; and an- 
other rumor, equally as fallacious, substituted in its steadf . As 
a sample of these, the letter of Col. Carrington is given at 
length. 

New Windsor, Sept. 23, 1779. 
D'r Col. 

The bearer brings you a letter from Gen. Knox, which I 
was requested to forward you immediately. He will also 
deliver you the tables ofjMortar practice, which ^ou was 
kind enough to lend me; all except the one, on which you 
noted I might retain. Those tables, I have copied, and send 
them back, accompanied by one which Major Bauman gave 
me for you. 

A report prevailed yesterday of the evacuation of the Posts 
at Kings Ferry, and may probably have reached you. How- 
ever, we learn this morning that it was premature. We 
have it also, that some prisoners who have escaped from 
New York, report that a few days ago, intelligence had come 
to Sir Harry, that a French or Spanish fleet was off the coast 
of Georgia; in consequence of which, orders were immedi- 
ately dispatched to call the troops lately embarked back 
again. By this I think we may learn that they were destined 
for the southward. This wretch seems much embarrassed! 
frustrated in his views on all hands! But what can he do? 
Alass! how are the mighty fallen. 

W^e also hear, that a party of the enemy near Croton, was 
taken yesterday, consisting of one hundred and fifty. Only 
a report. 

I am yours sincerely, 

Ed. Carrington.J 

* Lamb papers, N. Y. His. Soc. t Idem. t Mem. 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 229 

These rumors were constantly occurring, as every deserter, 
many of them concealed spies, devised that which would be 
likely to ensui e him the most favorable reception. 

A general order had been issued to authorize the recruiting 
of men of the State lines, enlisted for a term, to be enrolled 
into the continental service, during the war. And as it was 
understood, that a number of those of the Connecticut line, 
were willing to join the artillery upon those conditions, orders 
were given to fill up the companies of Lamb's regiment from 
those corps.* This design was for a while frustrated by 
Gen. Parsons, who pretended that infantry companies only 
were to be thus filled.f Col. Lamb therefore made a repre- 
sentation at head quarters, of this vexatious interference, and 
the Commander-in-Chief directed Gen. Parsons to withdraw 
his opposition; upon which no further molestation was ex- 
perienced from that quarter; and the recruiting officers de- 
tached, proceeded to fill up the skeleton companies, and put 
them in a formidable condition for service.| 

The posts at Stoney Point, and Verplanck's, at last, were 
abandoned by the enemy. The Commander-in-Chief ordered 
them to be put in an efficient situation for defence, and pre- 
paration to receive a garrison. The news at camp seemed 
to indicate an advance to the city,§ and it appears that the 
situation of the men in the Highlands, during the campaign 
of 1779, was not dissimilar in regard to clothing, to their 
condition during the preceding winters.|| Col. Lamb was 
frequently distressed by the complaint of his officers, and one 
in particular, who had endured with him, the hardships, and 
misfortunes of the Canadian expedition, wrote thus: 

West Point, 11th Oct., 1779. 
" The distressed situation of the men for want of clothes, 
is deplorable. There are sixteen of them almost naked, and 
bare footed. I had only one pair of shoes for forty-five men, 
at the last drawing. There are three, or four coats, in the 
company, and about as many shoes, and stockings. It is 

*Lamb papers, N. Y. His. Soc. t Idem, t Idem. ^Idem. |l Idem. 



1 



230 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

my duty to represent the above circumstances, to youj being 
the only person that can remedy these evils.* 

Col. Lamb now received the following instructions from 
Gen. Knox: 

New Windsor, 22 Novem'r 1779. 
Dear Sir: 

" You will please to examine the different posts, at and 
near West Point, and direct the number and size of the can- 
non, and quantity of ammunition, which shall be put into 
each, respectively, that is finished for their reception, accord- 
ing to an arrangement made by Generals McDougall, Du 
Portail, and myself, and approved by His Excellency, the 
Commander-in-Chief; a copy of which is given to you. It 
is also necessary that you should examine whether the posts 
at Verplanck's, and Stoney Points, are finished for the recep- 
tion of the cannon, designed for them. If they are prepared, 
or when they shall be, you will direct the cannon, which has 
been pointed out to you, and a proportionable quantity of 
ammunition, (about twenty -five or thirty rounds for each 
piece, with a sub, and fifteen or twenty men to manage them.) 
The artillery men of the garrison, will consist of Moodies, 
Walker's, and Fleming's companies, of your battalion; and 
Sewell's, Dinnel's, Wells', and Bm'beck's companies, of the 
3d battalion." 

" After you have performed these services, you will please 
take upon you, the duties of the office of Surveyor of the Ord- 
nance of the United States, to which you were appointed by 
the board of war and ordnance. You will receive particular 
instructions from them and me, on the subject.f 



= Lamb papers, N. Y. His. Soc. fldem. 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 231 



CHAPTER XVII. 

Derangement of Quarter-Master's Department. — Depot at Litchfield. — 
Congress neglect. — Ordered to Springfield. — Letter of the Secretary of 
the Board of War. — Report of Surveyor. — Distress of the Army. — De- 
preciation of Currency. — E.xorbitant Prices of Necessaries. — New Or- 
ganization of Artillery. — Recommended by Gen. Knox. — Referred to 
Lamb from Department of War. — Lamb against it. — Adopted. — De- 
monstrations against the Highlands. — Ordered to West Point. — Affair 
of Springfield. — Concentration near West Point. — Defect of Transpor- 
tation. 

Great inconvenience had been experienced in all parts of 
the public service, in consequence of the distance between 
Springfield and Farmington, the principal depots and labo- 
ratories for the army, and the North River; and much time 
had been lost in the transportation of munitions of war, from 
those remote places. Col. Lamb, had early in 1778, called 
the attention of the head of the artillery department, to this 
subject,* and recommended the establishment of a depot, and 
laboratory, at Litchfield, in Connecticut, as a place from 
which supplies could be sent in every direction, with greater 
facility, and despatch, than from the present arsenals. 

Although the opinion of Gen. Knox, coincided with that 
of his subordinate, nothing was done by Congress, to alter 
the existing arrangements. As soon as Gen. Gates had as- 
sumed the command in the Highlands, Col. Lamb addressed 
a letter to him,t reiterating the arguments previously ad- 
vanced, and urged upon him, the great importance of the 
measure; to this, no answer was received, and the public ser- 
vice continued to suffer, for the want of a place of deposit, 
more central, and more convenient to the Hudson River. The 
loss of time was not the only inconvenience occasioned by 

*Lamb papers, N Y. His. Soc. t Idem. 



2 32 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

these remote positions. They were so far removed from the 
scrutiny of the war department, that great remissness in the 
execution of the necessary orders, had crept in; and at a very 
important period, when the enemy were expected to bend their 
whole force on the Highland passes, much inconvenience, and 
even danger, was occasioned by the neglect in forwarding 
the necessary materiel for defence.* The board of war, on 
the 6th March, had commissioned Col. Lamb, as surveyor 
of the ordnance, and he had served in that capacity, until, 
on the threatened attack on West Point, he had been ordered 
to the command of that post.f But Congress had made very 
slender provision for the extraordinary expenses of that de- 
partment; and Gen. Knox had written to the board of war 
on the subject, but had received an answer, so little satisfac- 
tory, that he communicated the result of his enquiry to Col. 

Lamb as follows: J 

MoRRisTOWN, 29 Dec'r, 1779. 
Dear Colonel: 

I have this moment received from the board of war, an an- 
swer to my letter, written to them before I left New Wind- 
sor, on the subject of your expenses, whilst exercising the 
office of surveyor. They say, that the expenses of the office, 
so far exceed the provision made by Congress, that they can- 
not desire you to undertake it; but that the department at 
Springfield, is in such amazing confusion, that they will un- 
dertake to pay your expenses, whilst executing the business 
of inspecting that department. Thus, the most useful office 
is likely to fail, for want of support. I beg you will please 
to write me on the subject as soon as possible. 
I am, dear Sir, 

Your hum'e serv't, 

H. Knox.§ 
Colonel Lamb. 

This letter was followed by an order from the war depart- 
ment, in these terms: 

War and Ordnance Department, Decem'er 24, 1779. 
Sir: 

The affairs at Springfield are in amazing confusion. We 

* Lamb papers, N.Y. His. Soc. tldem. Jldem. §Idem. 



I 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 233 

hear perpetual complaints, which from our distance from the 
post, we can neither enquire into, nor remedy. We must, 
therefore, beg you will proceed to the post, and strictly ex- 
amine into all circumstances there; in which we mean to in- 
clude, the character, abilities, and so far as you can judge, 
the conduct of the officers, who are not necessary; what work 
is done in a given time; the situation of the buildings, and 
stores, and in short, every thing you deem necessary, to ena- 
ble you to make to us a full report. We depend much on 
your information, to enable us to adjust the business at 
Springfield, which seems to have been confused and clogged 
by a clashing of power among the principal officers, either 
real or assumed; and a feud too, imprudently kept alive, be- 
tween the artificers, and the inhabitants of the place. As we 
wish to make reformations to save expense, we shall be glad 
of your ready compliance with our request, and the more es- 
pecially, as we have detained a sum of money, destined for 
the works at Springfield, until better convinced of the pru- 
dence with which it will be disbursed, and the necessity of 
its advance. Your travelling charges will be borne. We 
shall be glad of a report in writing. 
We are, Sir, 

With much esteem, 

Your very Obed't Servants, 

Richard Peters. 

By Order.* 
Col. John Lamb, 

Surveyor Ordnance. 

All other branches of this order, were more agreeable to 
the feelings of Col. Lamb, than the inquisitorial part; but 
it was not in his nature to decline any public service, how- 
ever unpleasant. He proceeded to execute the prelimi- 
nary duties assigned him, previous to his orders, and on his 
arrival at Springfield, he found that the apprehensions of the 
board, had not been merely conjectural. The greatest dis- 
order prevailed in every branch of the department, and nu- 
merous schemes of peculation were exhausting the appropri- 
ations of the government;! artizans were kept in the pay of 
the public, whose services, were more necessary to the emolu- 

*Lamb papers, N. Y. His. Soc. fldem. 

30 



234 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

merit and convenience of the superintendents, than to the 
government; and these were permitted to labor for the citi- 
zens on their own account, after the stated hours of occupa- 
tion for the public* A system, by which frauds were com- 
mitted, and peculations practised upon the materials provided 
for the public; shoemakers and tailors, were in constant 
employ, when it was difficult to discover to whose use their 
manufactures could be legitimately applied. To these were 
added, an infinity of abuses: mere boys, the sons of the em- 
ployees were engaged as clerks, with the pay and emolu- 
ments of captains in the line.f 

Colonel Lamb was not backward in denouncing these 
abuses, which he did in a very elaborate report, J of the 21st 
February, 1780, recommending a reduction, and a new or- 
ganization of the department; in which the duties of the 
whole were properly balanced, and a due system of command, 
and accountability established and perfected. 

His journey to Springfield, was much retarded by the 
severity of the weather, and the prodigious snow storms, 
which prevailed at that season; (memorized as the Hard 
Winter;) the exposure to which, together with the arduous 
duties of his mission, brought on an attack of his old com- 
plaint, and in a short time after he reached the residence of 
his family at Southington, a violent fit of the gout, set in, 
which confined him at home for nearly three months; and he 
did not reach his post at Fishkill, until the 14th June. 

While he was suffering the pains of illness in his bed, his 
comrades in the field, were encountering all the horrors of 
the climate, aided by the miseries of starvation. Gen. Knox, 
from Morristown, 6th January, 1780, wrote as follows : 

" The army at this place, has been miserably in want of 
provisions; five days without beef, and as many at another 
time, without flour. It ought to astonish the bulk of 
America, that her veteran soldiers bear it with a degree 

*Lamb papers, N. Y. His, Soc. t Idem. J Idem. 



1 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 235 

of fortitude, and patience, unexampled by the people at 
large. But the curse of it is, that all this is borne for a peo- 
ple, who seem to pay but little regard to their sufferings: a 
precious little more, than if the army were Britons."* 
■ The military chest was empty : the means, and even the 
personal credit of the Commissary General were exhausted ; 
and he was compelled to annnounce to the Commander-in- 
Chief, his utter inability to procure farther supplies for the 
army ; and Washington was forced to sustain them, in a sea- 
son of uncommon scarcity, by requisitions in kind, from the 
several states.f Added to these evils, the currency had 
reached that state of depreciation, as to have become almost 
valueless. In the language of Chief Justice Marshall, " the 
pay of a Major General, would no longer hire an express ri- 
der ; and that of a Captain, would not purchase the shoes 
in which he marched."| 

Col. Lamb, although, in consequence of his illness, in a 
country removed from the proximity of the army, and in 
comparative plenty, found great difficulty in procuring the 
articles necessary to the subsistence, and comfort of his family 
in his immediate vicinity : he therefore wrote to a relative 
and friend at Boston, to make for him the requisite pur- 
chases, and received the following reply : 

Boston, May 29, 1780. 
" The next day after I received yours, I went from shop 
to shop, and enquired for the articles you wrote for, and the 
prices. Many of the articles could not be purchased for 
paper money. In the evening I sat down and made a cal- 
culation what the articles you WTOte for would cost : I found 
by the computation, that it would be seven thousand pounds 
lawful money. I declined making a purchase, 'til I could 
have your answer, as it is a great sum, for so few articles, 
as bad as the money is." || 

The President of Congress, in a visit, to camp proposed to 

*Lamb papers, N. Y. His. Soc. t Marshal. t Idem. 

II Lamb papers, N. Y. His. Soc. 



236 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

General Knox, that two companies of Lamb's regiment, 
should be, attached to that of Col. Proctor, and their places 
supplied by an equal number to be raised in the state of 
New Jersey. The proposition being submitted to the board 
of war, produced the following correspondence. 

War Office, March 2, 1780. 
Sir: 

The enclosed is the copy of a letter from General Knox, 
to the board, on the subject of making some new arrange- 
ments in your regiment and Col. Proctor's. 

The board request your sentiments, upon the proposed al- 
teration, as early as possible. 

I am sir, your most obedient serv't. 
, . - By order, 

Ben. Stoddert,! 
Col. Lamb. Secretary. 

This letter met with much delay, and when received, was 
answered as follows : 

' SouTHiNGTON, Ist. April, 1780. 
Gentlemen : 

Your favor of the 2d ultimo, inclosing Brig. Gen. Knox's 
letter of the 30th January, did not reach my hands 'til yes- 
terday, or I should have done myself the honor of answer- 
ing it sooner. 

I can not possibly conceive how the two companies of my 
regiment that were raised in Pennsylvania can, on any prin- 
ciple of equity, be excluded from participating of the liberal 
provisions made by that state : especially, as they are re- 
turned to your board, agreeably to a resolution of Congress, 
as part of their quota of troops. As those companies are 
frequently detached from the regiment, it is in General Knox's 
power, to make such an arrangement respecting them, as he 
may think is most conducive to the service. They may there- 
fore be brigaded with the Pennsylvania line, which will re- 
move the inconvenience complained of by President Reade, 
as it will put them in a situation to receive every benefit and 
advantage intended them by the state. 

If local policy, and the convenience of particular states, 
or individuals, is to be adopted, the same objection that has 

* Lamb papers, N. Y. His. Soc. t Idem. 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 237 

been made by President Reade, with respect to the compa- 
nies raised in Pennsylvania, may with equal propriety, be 
made "by the states of" Connecticut and New York, whose 
troops compose part of my regiment, likewise. 

Should the state of Jersey, agree to raise two companies 
of artillery on the principle mentioned in General Knox's 
letter, it will be a long time, before it can possibly be effected, 
andl doubt whether it can be done at all ; as there is a ma- 
terial difference, in the present state of our currency, between 
a resolution to raise troops, and the carrying the same into 
execution. It is a melancholy truth, that the most trifling 
present advantage, weighs more WMth the bulk of mankind, 
than the promise of great rewards, to be paid t^iem in future. 
And this disposition is more apparent in the soldier, than 
any other ; who from the nature of his calling, reflects that 
the chances of living to enjoy the future good, is much against 
him. He therefore prefers the present advantage, to the fu- 
ture, and views the latter, as a mere shadow, that has no 
other existence, but in speculation. But could every diffi^ 
culty with respect to raising the men be surmounted, it is 
more than probable another will arise. I mean that of the 
state's appointing the officers to command them : such a 
measure, would occasion great uneasiness in .the regiment : 
and it would essentially injure a number of my officers, who 
would have an indubitable right to complain. 

The regiment I have the honor of commanding, having 
been patronized by no particular state, was consequently 
raised under many, and great disadvantages. And though 
I am well convinced ,it has cost the continent much less to 
raise it, than many others, I flatter myself, it is equal to any 
in the service, with respect to its officers and men. The offi- 
cers of the other regiments of artillery received great en- 
couragement and assistance from the respective states where 
they were raised. But mine having been raised in different 
states, on a more extensive scale ; and being considered as 
the troops of the continent at large, we were deprived of 
those partial advantages which the others derived from their 
local situation. 

On the whole I must confess it would be extremely cha- 
grining to me, to have the regiment dismembered, by lop- 
ping off those companies, after the officers and men have ac- 
quired a considerable degree of knowledge and experience 
in their profession; and to have them replaced by raw, in- 
experienced, and undisciplined troops, who would have every 



238 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

thing to learn, and by whose misconduct, or want of expe- 
rience, the reputation of the regiment may be destroyed. 

However disagreeable such an arrangement would be to 
me, I would readily assent to it, if it would tend to promote 
the service; but this is not the case, as it can only affect a 
particular state. And should the same partial policy be 
adopted by all those states whose troops compose my regi- 
ment, it must consequently be annihilated, and some of my 
officers, after long and painful service, have just cause of 
complaint. 

If it is proper that the state of Jersey should raise two 
companies of artillery, it would be more eligible, that the 
men when raised, should be draughted into the weakest com- 
panies, in the four regiments; as many of them must be very 
thin at present. 

I have the honor to be, 
Gentlemen, 

Your Ob't Serv't, 
The Honorable, John Lamb.* 

The Board of War and Ordnance. 

The return of Sir Henry Clinton, from the south, induced 
the Commander-in-Chief to believe that a formidable attempt 
would immediately be made by the troops on board the fleet, 
just arrived at the Hook; and feeling that a vigorous de- 
fence of the posts on the Hudson river, might ensure the 
safety of the army, then in an alarming state of weakness, 
the following order was directed to issue from head quarters: 

Springfield, (N. Jersey,) 21st June, 1780. 
My Dear Sir : 

I received your favor of the 14th instant. I was sorry that 
you had been unwell, but am happy to hear that you have 
recovered. West Point, having so large a proportion of the 
corps of artillery; and being of such great consequence to 
America, demands that an officer of high rank in the artil- 
lery should be there. 

You being acquainted with that post and its vicinity, and 
other circumstances, point you out, as the officer most proper 
to take that command. You will please, therefore, to repair 
to that place, and inform General How and Major Bauman 
of this order. 

* Lamb papers. N. Y. His. Soc. 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 239 

The probability of an attempt of the enemy to wrest West 
Point from us; the arrival of Sir Henry Clinton, from 
Charlestown, with a part of his army, and some good intel- 
ligence of his designs, render it highly necessary that 
every thing in every department at West Point, should be 
placed in the best state possible. I am certain you will omit 
nothing in the ordnance department."* 

Sir Henry Clinton had landed and advanced a great force 
from Elizabethtown, to attack General Greene, on the 23d 
June, at Springfield. The artillery stationed to defend the 
passage of the Rahway, was very smartly engaged with that 
of the enemy ,t and Col Lamb, who valued the reputation of 
his corps, almost as highly as his own, was much gratified 
to learn, that one of his companies was very efficient on that 
occasion; but the reputation that the regiment acquired by 
this display of gallantry, was purchased by the death of 
Capt.-Lieut. Thompson, and several valuable men. 

In Gen. Knox's letter of the 22d, mention is made of Maj. 
Bauman, and some allusion to certain characteristic pecu- 
liarities. Of these. Col. Lamb had a foretaste, on his arrival 
at Fishkill. As his commanding officer (for Bauman was 
the major of his regiment,) he wrote him as follows : 

Fishkill, 22d June, 1780. 
Dear Major: 

As the carriage of the twelve pounder which is in the re- 
doubt at Stoney Point, is a bad one, and the piece itself is not 
very good; I wish if there is a good piece of that calibre, 
that can possibly be spared, you would send it to that post 
wdthout delay; as they have a gin there to remount it. I 
likewise wish, that a number of the damaged royals, be sent 
there at the same time, as they wnll answer the purpose of 
hand grenades, should the enemy attempt the redoubts, at 
Verplanck's and Stoney Point, by assault. In passing throug-h 
the Continental village, I have observed a number of shells, 
which I have directed Major Campbell to have collected, and 
sent to your post. I am with Esteem, Yours, &c., 

Major Bauman. John Lamb.| 

* Lamb papers, N. Y . H. S. T Marshall, t Lamb papers. N. Y. H. S. 



240 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

The person to whom this letter was addressed, had been, 
on Col. Lamb being dispatched to Springfield, invested with 
the command of the artillery, at West Point; and enamored 
of his brief authority, was quite unwilling- to have it invaded, 
even by the order of his legitimate superior.* Major Bau- 
man was not willing- to receive this instruction, so salutary 
to the public, in any other than an advisory light; and so 
signified his intentions. The arrival of Gen. Knox's letter 
was opportune, and perhaps prevented some unpleasant con- 
sequences, as will appear by the following- : 

FisHKiLLS, 23 June, 1780. 
Dear General: 

Your favor of the 21st instant, was handed me by General 
How, to whom I communicated its contents, agreeably to 
your directions. I shall repair to West Point immediately, 
as I informed Gen. McDougall, I would do, previous to the 
receipt of your letter, as soon as it became probable the ene- 
my had anything serious in contemplation, with respect to 
that post. I am sensible that Major Bauman is a strange 
genius, and that it requires the greatest address to manage him 
without giving up my own consequence, as his superior offi-^ 
cer. But as I always abhorred punctilio, when unneces- 
sary, so I shall wave every thing of the kind, when the 
public interest is immediately concerned: and here it can 
possibly be done, without betraying a want of spirit, or of at- 
tention to the necessary military forms. 
I am affec'y, 

Yr Hum'e Serv't, 

John LAMB.f 

Brig. Gen. Knox. 

The check given to the British commander, by Gen. Greene 
at Springfield, (N. J.), seemed to discourage him from a far- 
ther attempt on our positions by land.| Still he might avail 
himself of his naval means, and assail the river ports. To be 
prepared for this event, a part of the army was drawn nearer 
to the points of attack, to cover these important stations. 

Every branch of the public service, suffered the paralyzing 

* Lamb papers, N, Y. His. Soc. f Marshall. t Lamb papers. 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 241 

effects of an empty treasury. Munitions of war, were on 
hand, but these were inefficient, for the want of means to 
transport them, to the points where they were most wanted. 
Evidence of this will be found in the following letter-.* 

Ramapaugh, 29 June, 1780. 
Dear Sir: 

" I have but just returned from Trenton, where I have been 
on public business. The enemy will, I believe, be cautious 
how they invest West Point, under their present circumstan- 
ces; but in any case I hope the place will be found in the 
best situation of defence, our means will admit. 

I have repeatedly demanded a much greater quantity of 
powder than is there at present, but have not been able to 
obtain it. We have at Pompton, and Mount Hope furnaces, 
between five and six thousand eighteen pound balls, and three 
thousand shells, for the French 9 inch mortars, but I have not 
been able to have them transported to West Point, by reason 
of the utter inability of the Quarter-Master General's depart- 
ment." 

*Lamb papers, N. Y. His. Soc. 



31 



242 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 



CHAPTER XVIII. 

Meditated Attack on New York. — Opinions of Officers relative to French 
Armies. — Erroneous. — Succeeds to the Comnnand of the Post, and De- 
partment. — Scant Rations. — Knox's Letter. — Quarter-Master General 
resigns. — Embarrassments of the Army. — New York. — Arnold to com- 
mand the Highlands. — Mr. Duer's Letter. — Moody a Spy. — Derange- 
ment of the Department. — Correspondence with Arnold. — Prisoners 
ordered to Camp — Moody detained. — Lamb's Opinion against. — Ar- 
nold weakens the Garrison. — Lamb remonstrates. — Correspondence 
with Arnold. — Malcom. — Knox. — 1780. 

The situation of the Commander-in-Chief, and of the army, 
was extremely embarrassing. The arrival of the auxiliaries 
from France, was hourly expected, and no plans of coopera- 
ion, were formed for the exigency; nor could Washington 
venture upon any determination, from the want of knowledge 
of the intentions of Congress, and the States.* It was hoped 
that the fleet would be sufficiently powerful, to drive that of 
Great Britain off the coast, or to enable the French Admiral 
to attack New York in conjunction with the American army.f 
But the situation of that army, and its rescources were not such 
as to enable the Commander-in-Chief to enter with,confidence 
into definitive arrangements ; and the direct attack on the city 
was abandoned. The French commander, by force of these 
circumstances, instead of entering the Hook, made his land- 
ing at Rhode Island.J 

Great diversity of opinion prevailed in the army respect- 
ing the employment of the French land forces; and that mea- 
sure, afterwards found so efficacious, met with severe repre- 
hension from many of the officers; among them was Major 
Shaw, the aid-de-camp of Gen. Knox, who seems to have 
been a liberal thinker, and not backward, to speak his senti- 
ments on the occasion, as will appear by the following letter: 

•Marshall. f Idem. J Idem. 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 243 

Camp at Prakenis, 12 July, 1780. 

" We have accounts here, via: New York, which look very 
like a certainty, of the French armament being on the coast. 
The Gaudaloupe man of war has been so hard chased by this 
fleet, that she was obliged to throw over her guns, and spars, 
in order to get out of their way. This intelligence has oc- 
casioned a vast bustle in New York, and the Britons, with 
their adherents, are making mighty preparations, to ward off 
the impending blow. 

As an American citizen, I rejoice in the prospect of so 
speedy, and I hope an effectual aid; but as a soldier, I am 
dissatisfied. How will it sound in history, that the United 
States of America, could not, or rather would not, make an 
exertion, when the means were amply in their power, which 
might at once rid them of their enemies, and put them in pos- 
session of that liberty, and safety, for which we have been so 
long contending? By Heaven! if our rulers had any mo- 
desty, they would blush at the idea of calling in foreign aid ! 
'Tis really abominable, that we should send to France Jvr 
soldiers, when there are so many sons of America idle. Such 
a step ought not (had these great men, any sensibility), to 
have been taken, until the strength of the country had been 
nearly exhausted, and our freedom tottering on the brink of 
ruin. Let us be indebted to France, Spain, or even to the 
devil himself, if he could furnish it, for a navy, because we 
can not get one seasonably among ourselves; but do let us, 
unless we are contented to be transmitted to posterity with 
disgrace, make an exertion of our own strength by land, and 
not owe our independence entirely to our allies."* 

In these sentiments, Col. Lamb heartily coincided,! and it 
is probable that the dissatisfaction with the employment of 
the French land forces, was extensive; but these opinions 
were unfounded. There was no probability that Congress 
could, in the deranged condition of the pecuniary affairs of 
the country, procure the necessary funds for the embodyment 
of an efficient army. The auxiliary aid of the French land 
forces, was not only the means of adding to our physical 
strength, but the formidable preparations of France, gave an 
impulse to the people at home, and animated them to exer- 

* Lainb papers, N. Y. His. Soc f Idem. 



244 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

tion, and at the same time, inspired confidence abroad in the 
ultimate success of the struggle, which raised the credit of 
the country with the bankers of Europe. 

While Col. Lamb was sustaining a hazardous, and honor- 
able command, and head of an important department; his si- 
tuation in regard to emolument, was very similar to that of 
the secretary of the Duke of Lerma, memorized by Le Sage, 
and he was placed in a situation to ruin himself effectually, 
by the enormous personal expenses, imposed upon him by 
his station.* West Point was an object of curiosity; pri- 
vate, and official visitors, and public messengers, without 
number, were constantly arriving. It was not in his nature 
to fail in any duty of hospitality, and Congress had stinted 
his supplies in a most extraordinary manner. These incon- 
veniences were expressed to Gen. Knox, and produced the 
following letter in reply :f 

Camp Prakenis, 12 July, 1780. 
" It pains me exceedingly, to think of your situation, as 
commanding officer of artillery, so humiliating as to be obliged 
to subsist on one ration only, when your important charge, 
involves you in a much greater expense, than any Colonel 
commandant of a brigade. This I have faithfully represented 
to the General, some time ago, when I gave you orders to re- 
pair to West Point. He seemed to accede to the propriety 
of my representation, but thought he could not remedy the 
matter, without establishing a precedent that might have 
disagreeable consequences."! 

It would seem that the unpleasant situation of the Com- 
mander-in-Chief, could not well be aggravated. He was 
pledged by Congress to active cooperation with the com- 
mander of the French forces, while that body had made very 
little progress to enable him to redeem these pledges; and 
when at a venture, he had resolved upon a forward move- 
ment of the army; a new organization of the general staiF, 
compelled the Quarter-Master to resign his commission.^ 

* Lamb papers, N. Y. His. Soc. t Ide.ii. J Idem. § Marshall. 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 245 

Yet notwithstanding the embarrassment occasioned by this 
measure, he still determined upon an approach to New York, 
and orders for the march were given. The evening these or- 
ders were issued, Gen. Arnold arrived in camp, preparatory 
to assuming the command of the Highland Army.* In the 
plan of operations, it was contemplated that Col. Lamb should 
join the army, with part of the artillery;! but news arriving 
the next day that Sir Henry Clinton had returned from the 
eastward, he was ordered to resume his command at West 
Point, and to detatch four of the most efficient companies of 
artillery; thereby weakening the garrison nearly one-half.| 
Col. Lamb was no way satisfied with the dismemberment of 
his forces, and expressed his uneasiness in the following letter 
of 8th August, to Gen. Knox: 

'^ The enemy, under the command of Brandt, and Butler, are 
laying waste the upper part of this state. These operations, 
I conceive, are intended as a diversion to draw the militia 
that way, and afford Sir Harry an opportunity of attempting 
this post, by a coup de main; this would not, in ray opinion, 
be a very arduous undertaking, in the present state of this 
garrison, and this state, the enemy will not long be ignorant 
of There is no dependence to be placed upon such militia, 
who are badly officer'd. The night before last, the guard 
suffered three tory prisoners to escape; and last night, four 
more. I am not apt to conjure up phantoms, nor to antici- 
pate disagreeable events, but I do not like the present situa- 
tion of matters here."§ 

On that same evening, the following letter was received, 
directed to the commanding officer at West Point : 

Rhinebeck, Aug. 7, 1780. 
Sir: 

I esteem it my duty to inform you, that there is a certain 
Lieut. Moody, now at Fishkill, a'Lt. in the enemy's new le- 
vies, who was taken up lately in Jersey, with a commission 
and instructions from Gen. Knyphausen, to seize Governor 
Livingston. Notwithstanding this, and several other cir- 

* Lamb papers, N. Y. His. Soc. fldem. J Idem. Hdem. 



246 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

curastances, which I am informed from good authority, Gov. 
Livingston is acquainted with, he is now on his parole, and 
will probably soon make his escape from (to) the enemy; 
and thereby escape the fate, he so richly deserves, of being 
hung as a spy. I am informed this person was sent off in a 
hurry to West Point, at the time our army was moving; from 
which circumstance, I presume the particular circumstances 
of his capture were not communicated. As I know your 
zeal in every matter which may affect the public safety, I 
am sensible it will be sufficient to mention what I have, to 
induce you to give orders for securing this person, 'til he can 
be tried by proper authority. As soon as this is effected, 
Gov. Livingston will, I am sure, be obliged to you, if you 
will give him notice, as he apprehends at present that he has 
made his escape. 

I am sir, Your Obed't Hum'e Serv't, 

Wm. Duer.* 

Col. MALCOM,t 

Commanding Off 'r, West Point. 

In consequence of this letter. Moody was given in charge 
of the guard at Fort Putnam, with strict injunctions to 
prevent his escape ; and the provost at that place being in 
a very unsafe condition, Major Villefranche, the engineer, 
was directed to order the necessary arrangements for its 
security.J At the same time the following letter was sent 
to General Arnold. 

West Point, 9th August, 1780. 
Dear General : 

The enclosed letter to Col. Malcom, I received last night, 
together with the prisoner mentioned therein ; who it seems 
is the officer that was sometime lurking about in Jersey for 
the pmpose of carrying off Governor Livingston. As I 
have received no official directions respecting him, I do not 
think myself authorized to order him in irons, but have given 
the officer of the guard, particular instructions to have a 
strict eye over him ; and that his men be directed to be 
* Lamb papers, N. Y. His. Soc. 

fit appears from this, and some letters of Col. Malcom, that he was 
ordered to the command of the post, in consequence of Col. Lamb taking 
the field, and that after the order was countermanded, Col. M. marched 
with the army, 
t Lamb papers, 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 247 

vigilant. But as they iare a militia guard, you are sensible 
that no dependence can be placed upon them. As this is 
the case, I wish you to write to General Washington, on 
the subject. In the interim I shall be glad to have your 
orders respecting him."* 

Before any reply was received, the prisoner was put in 
irons ; probably induced by the insecurity of the Provost, 
and two days elapsed before any answer was given. Mean- 
time, by some connivance, Moody found means to write to 
General Arnold claiming to be a prisoner of war, and grossly 
exaggerating the rigor of his confinement.! The commu- 
nication of Moody was enclosed to Col. Lamb, in the fol- 
lowing letter. 

Head Quarters, Robinson's 
House, Aug. 11, 1780. 
Dear Sir : 

I enclose you a letter which I have this minute received 
from Ensign Moody ; I should have wrote you before now 
on the subject of your letter respecting him, had not I ex- 
pected to have seen you at the Point. My leg being a little 
inflamed has prevented my coming over. 

I don't think it justifiable to put prisoners of war in irons 
as a punishment, and on no other principle but retaliation ; 
or when it is absolutely necessary to secure them. We have 
n ade heavy complaints on that head, in particular in the in- 
stance of Col. E. Allen. I believe Moody a bad man, but 
considered as a prisoner of war, no discrimination can be 
made, if he has observed his parole. I know not by whose 
order he has been put in irons, but suppose by yours. I could 
therefore wish they migiit be taken off by you, without his 
knowing that I have interfered in the matter ; and that he 
should be confined in a manner to prevent any possibility of 
escape. 

I am with great regard. 
Dear Sir, your ob't. humble serv't. 
Col. Lamb. B. Arnold.| 

In answer to this, Colonel Lamb wrote as follows : 
Lamb papers, N. Y. His. Soc. f Idem. J Idem. 



248 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

West Point, Aug. 12, 1780. 
Dear General : 

Your favor of yesterday I have received. In answ^er to 
which, I have to observe, that as Moody was formerly pa* 
rolled by General Washington, the General must certainly 
have been informed of some criminality on the part of the 
prisoner, w^hich had not come to his knowledge before ; 
or he would not have been induced to deprive him of 
his parole, and order him to close confinement. For my 
part, I view him in the light of a spy, from every circum- 
stance respecting him. And as he was brought into the 
garrison in open day light, and has had an opportunity, 
(from the simplicity of the guard, and the facility of con- 
versing with them) of knowing the state of the garrison; 
at least what kind of troops it is composed of ; I think it 
will be highly improper to take off his irons, and let him 
escape ; which he undoubtedly will do, in forty-eight hours 
if he is unshackled. Two more prisoners were suffered to 
escape yesterday at noon day. I think this garrison a very 
improper place to send prisoners of his enterprising spirit to, 
and I wish you would write to General Washington, on the 
subject as soon as possible. 

Every method oug-ht to be taken to prevent the enemy from 
knowing the real state of this post. For altho' they may 
not at present have it in contemplation to attack it ; yet 
when they are informed what kind of troops are destined 
for its defence, it may become an object. And should they 
embark their troops, and finesse,* as if they were going else- 
where, and embrace the opportunity of pushing up the river 
with a strong southerly wind, (after landing a sufficient 
body of troops in Jersey to draw General Washington's at- 
tention that way) , I know not what could prevent it falling 
into their hands. 

I am. 

Dear General, 

Your ob'dt. serv't. 
Major Gen. Arnold. John Lamb.I 

♦This was precisely the plan afterwards adopted by Sir Henry Clin- 
ton, as will appear by his despatches, and was probably suggested by 
Arnold, from this letter. If not it affords evidence of the sagacity and 
vigilance of the commander of the post. 

t Lamb papers, N. Y. His. Soc, 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 249 

These arguments appeared too cogent to be controverted, 
and the next day the order for the release of Moody from 
irons was countermanded. 

The quarter-master department of the Highland army, 
was very ill supplied, and very inefficiently executed. A 
detachment of one hundred men, were sent from the garri- 
son to Fishkill, for the purpose of making musket cartridges; 
and there was not a single camp kettle, to be obtained, to 
supply their necessities*. The officers of the garrison could 
not obtain a single sheet of paper, upon which to make their 
returns ; even the commander was obliged to borrow some from 
Gen. Arnold for that purpose.f And the public stores were 
plundered by the soldiers, for want of locks to secure them 
from depredation.J "A heavenly situation" (exclaimed Col. 
Lamb in a letter to Gen. Knox,) " and God knows when it 
will end!"§ Nor were the troops better supplied on the 
march, as the following letter from Col. Malcom, who had 
recently commanded the post, will evince : 

Haver STRAW, Aug. 14, 1780. 
My Dr. Col : 

Here we are ! it is the devil ! nothing to cover either offi- 
cer or soldier; not even axes to cut boughs! I did not choose 
to take away the trifling stores of the garrison, especially as 
I expected to find something" at King's Ferry. But all alike; 
a few old pickaxes, are all the moveables there. I have at- 
tacked the General's generosity. I thought it best that Ben- 
scoten, should stop as he passed, as you might have a deli- 
cacy about issuing without his previous acquiescence. 1 
have heard nothing as yet; but perhaps to-morrow I may 
ride to H. Q. Three vessels at T. point. 

Your boats are all ordered up. 

I am uneasy about your situation, but the enemy are not 
enterprising. 

Yours, most sincerely, 

W. Malcom.|| 

We must have Hughes.U Urge the General to provide. 

* Lamb papers, N. Y. His. Soc. t Idem, t Idem. ^dem. || Idem. 
IT Col. Hugh Hughes, Assistant Q. M. Gen. under Mifflin, and then in 
a different department under Pickering. 

32 



250 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

The garrison at the point, after the four companies of ar- 
tillery were sent to the army, was already too weak for de- 
fence;* and the subsequent draft of an hundred men to 
Fiskill, left not a disposable man for other service.f The 
Commander-in-Chief, by general orders, directed all the 
prisoners, except prisoners of war, to be sent, under guard, 
to head quarters at Tappan.J Col. Lamb considering the case 
of Moody, as coming within the order to march; and anx- 
ious to get rid of so suspicious a person, was desirous of send- 
ing him with the others to camp. He therefore wrote, on 
the 16th August, to Gen. Arnold, expressing his views of 
the true character of the prisoner, and of his desire to include 
him with the others. At the same time, he mentioned the 
deficiencies of the post in necessary ammunition. § " I am ap- 
prehensive," (said he,) " that if the prisoners are sent by 
land, under a militia guard, many of them will make their 
escape before they reach head quarters. To prevent which, 
I shall send them by water, to King's Ferry. And as a far- 
ther security, I will send a careful sergeant, and six men of 
my own corps, to make part of the guard. I shall be happy 
if you will please to order Col. Livingston to relieve the 
guard, and send the prisoners to head quarters, by a detach- 
ment of the troops under his command. 

" We have not more musket cartridges at present, at this 
post, than will afford thirty rounds per man, for fifteen hun- 
dred men; and, therefore, can not possibly permit the issuing 
a single cartridge to the troops that remain in the depart- 
ment. I thought it proper to give this information, that you 
may know how we are circumstanced in this respect; and 
to prevent any further draughts being made on us for that 
article, 'til we have an ample supply."|| 

The vigilance of the Commander of West Point, could not 
be very gratifying to a man who had actually sold it to the 
enemy; jet Arnold in his reply, commended the forecast and 
diligence displayed; but was determined, so far as he might 

* Lamb papers, N. Y, His. Soc. fldem, J Idem. § Idem, y Idem. 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 251 

do it with safety to himself, to defeat it.* Although he had 
ordered Moody in irons, he still chose to consider him a 
prisoner of war, and directed him to be retained in the garri- 
son. Probably estimating him, as too good an auxiliary to 
the cause he himself had embraced, to be trusted within the 
reach of the provost marshal of the camp at head quarters. 
He also refused to order the guard from the garrison, relieved 
at King's Ferry, under the plea that Colonel Livingston, 
who was the commander of the posts there, was already too 
weak.f 

While Col. Lamb was so unwilling to part with the small 
force necessary to guard the prisoners on their way to camp; 
and was conquering his vexation as well as he could, at the 
refusal to restore that detachment to the garrison, he received 
the astounding intelligence that he was to be still farther 
weakened by the requisition of Arnold to furnish two hundred 
men for the purpose of being employed by the D. Q. M. 
Gen'l in cutting fuel for the different posts.f Against this 
blow, he did what was possible to guard himself, and wrote 
the following letter, the least cordial in its terms, that had 
ever passed between him and Arnold : 

West Point, Aug. 18, 1780. 
Dear General: 

I have to inform you that I have this day sent off the pri- 
soners to head quarters. I mentioned to Major Franks, yes- 
terday, that two hundred men from the Massachusetts brigade, 
were sent to Fishkill, previous to your arrival. What occa- 
sion there is for such a guard at that place, I can not possibly 
conceive. Half the number, will be sufficient. 

If such draughts as are called for are made from the gar- 
rison, we shall neither be able to finish the works that are 
incomplete, nor in a situation to defend those that are finished. 
Capt. Hubbel will explain to you, the reasons why the men 
ordered for cutting fire-wood, are still here. They are wait- 
ing your farther orders respecting them. 

I am Dear Gen'l, Y'rs, &c. 

Major General Arnold. John Lamb.§ 

* Lamb papers, N. Y. His. Soc. tidem. t Idem. ^Idem. 



252 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

In this mood, he answered the letter of Col. Malcom of 
the 14th, and the following extract will disclose the bitter- 
ness of his mortification. 

West Point, 18th Aug., 1780. 
" What will become of this garrison ? Hay has called 
upon the General for two hundred wood-cutters, which the 
General has complied with. Exclusive of the guards, we have 
between four and five hundred men, daily on fatigue. This is 
murder to a garrison whose troops ought to have some little 
discipline."* 

Still in the hope that Arnold might relent, and not persist 
in detailing so effective a part of the garrison, Col. Lamb 
wrote him another letter, reminding him of the useless de- 
tachment of the Massachusetts men at Fishkill, and giving 
him further information of the state of his defences.! 

West Point, 19th Aug., 1780. 
Dear General : 

I have to inform you, that we could not turn out this 
morning, more men than were necessary for the fatigue and 
guards; and as it was not expressed in general orders of yes- 
terday, whether the two hundred men ordered for the pur- 
pose of cutting fire-wood for the garrison, should march im- 
mediately for Fishkill, or wait 'til the officer commanding 
them, shall receive directions from Col. Hay, I have thought 
it proper to order them on the necessary fatigue of the gai"- 
rison, till your pleasure should be known.| 

Col. Lamb had been compelled, on several occasions, to 
complain of the neglect of the quarter master's department, 
and the general inefficiency of that branch of the service.§ 
It is palpable from the answer of Gen. Knox, that the same 
evils were felt with great severity, at head quarters; and the 
consequences to be apprehended under the new organization 
were not considered trivial. 

Camp at Tappan, 22d Aug. 1780. 
" You mention difficulties in the Q. M'r Gen'l department. 
I am sorry for them, but know not when they will subside. 

* Lamb papers, N. Y. His. Soc. f Idem. tidem. ^ Idem 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 253 

Congress have made a new system, and have appointed a 
new Q. M'r Gen'l to carry it into execution, viz : Timothy 
Pickering, Esq. Whether this will accelerate, or frustrate, 
the intended operations of the campaign, it is easy to deter- 
mine. Perhaps the rulers of America, are the only people 
under the sun, who refuse the benefit of experience. We 
were nearly ruined in 1777, by changing one of the great 
departments of the army, in the middle of a campaign; and 
as if that event was totally obliterated from our minds, the 
same expedient is now repeated, with an eagerness that seems 
to render our annihilation certain."* 



*Lamb papers, N. Y. His. Soc. 



254 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 



CHAPTER XIX. 

Moody's Case submitted to Washington. — Ordered to Camp. — Army of- 
fer Battle. — Letter from Col. Varrick. — Joshua Smith. — Arnold's Vis- 
its. — Conversation at Arnold's Table, — Mrs. Arnold at Head Quarters. 
— Guns ordered to Dobbs's Ferry. — Delayed. — Vulture in Haverstraw 
Bay. — Requisition for Powder. — Reluctantly granted. — Purpose for 
which it was expended. — Vulture driven from her Position. — Wash- 
ington arrives at Fishkill. — At the Garrison. — Arnold receives Jami- 
son's Letter. — Escapes. — Washington receives News. — Disclosed to 
Lamb. — Orders to Verplanck's and Stoney Point. — Back to West Point. 
— Varrick's Illness. — Uneasiness — His Letters. — Oswald's. — Smith's 
Trial. — Causes of Arnold's Defection. — McDougall in Command. — 
Superseded by St. Clair. — Lamb commands Artillery. — At Fishkill. 

Gen. Arnold had found it expedient to refer the case of 
Moody to the Commander-in-Chief,* and received orders to 
have him dispatched to camp. He was accordingly sent under 
strict guard, and the garrison relieved of his presence.! Arnold 
in the mean time, was affecting great concern for the good 
condition of the post. All the departments were ordered to 
furnish the most accurate return of the munitions on hand. J 

At this juncture, the Commander-in-Chief seems to have 
determined to offer battle to Sir Henry Clinton. The army 
was drawn down the river, and strong temptations were of- 
fered to the British General, to take some steps to bring on 
an engagement.^ But that Commander, perhaps relying 
upon his secret plans, was willing to rest his hopes upon a 
less sanguinary mode of terminating the campaign, and per- 
haps the war. The following extract of a letter from Major 
Shaw, written with his usual freedom, will disclose how far 
the supineness of the British General, was increased by the 
hopes he indulged from the schemes he was pursuing: 

*Lamb papers, N. Y. His. Soc, f Idem. tidem. § Idem. 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 25-3 

" We have- been here in the neighborhood of Fort Lee, bid- 
ding defiance to Sir Harry for eight or ten days, but he does not 
choose to take the advantage of our position; which, with 

proper deference, I think a one. Should the enemy 

land above us, they would have an amazing odds in their 
favor. If our left flank should be turned, and a defeat ensue, 
a retreat must be attended with the utmost confusion, as we 
have two rivers directly in our rear, and the only passage 
across one of them, is over a bridge, W'hich would not sup- 
port two-thirds the weight of one of our heavy eighteen 
pounders." 

Believe me my dear sir, 
Yours sincerely, 

S. Shaw.* 

31 Aug., 1780, Tenick. 

Colonel Lamb. 

A supply of powder had reached the garrison, and in Gen. 
Knox's dispatch, which preceded it, he announced the defeat 
of Gates at Camden, and the disasters of the southern armyjf 
but news had reached Arnold's head quarters, of the escape 
of part of the Maryland line, which was communicated by 
Col. Varrick, the secretary and aid of Arnold, in the follow- 
ing characteristic extract : 

Hd. Qrs. Rob. House, Sept. 11, 1780. 
" In a postscript of His Excellency's letter of the 9th, dated 
in the afternoon, he says: 'I have this moment received a letter 
from Gov. Jefferson, by which it appears that above one-half 
of the Maryland division, had made their retreat good, after a 
most obstinate engagement." This is glorious news to our 
country, when compared with Gates's account. He will be 
blasted in this World, and humanly judging, he ought to be 
in the next, for not supporting the Maryland troops, and 
suffering them to be so mauled; when, had he behaved like 
a soldier himself, Cornwallis would have been ruined, and to 
use a common term, Cornwalladed; for Col. Sumpter, of 
South Carolina, was in his rear, with above one thousand 

*A most excellent, and interesting memoir of this gentleman, has re- 
cently been published by the Hon. Josiah Quincy. 

tLamb papers, N. Y. His. Soc. * 



256 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

men. May America's reproaches light on the poltroon, who 
will turn his back on such gallant troops as those of Mary- 
land."* 

Gen. Arnold had reached the Highlands, on the 4th Au- 
gust, leaving Mrs. Arnold behind him in Philadelphia.! To 
amuse his lonely hours, as he stated to his friends, he was in 
the habit of visiting at the house of Joshua Hett Smith, at 
Haverstraw, a short distance from Stoney Point; and on se- 
veral occasions, invited Col. Lamb to accompany him, giv- 
ing him a tempting picture of the pleasant society he would 
meet with there. These invitations were invariably declined, 
although Mrs. Smith, and Mrs. Lamb, were nearly related, 
^and the reasons for so doing, unreservedly given. He knew, 
(he said) that Smith was a tory; and he would not visit his 
own father, in a similar category.^ 

Arnold had been absent from his quarters several days, 
and on his return, on the 13th September, he brought Mrs. 
Arnold with him.§ The day of his arrival, he issued the fol- 
lowing order to Col. Lamb : 

Head Quarters, Robinson's House, 
Sept. 13, 1780. 
Dear Sir : 

Two nine, or twelve pounders, are wanted in the redoubts 
at Dobbs's Ferry, || for the purpose of signal guns, as well as 
to keep off the enemy's boats, who come up almost every 
day, and insult the post. You will therefore please to inform 
me by the bearer, whether there are none of the stocked 
pieces of those calibres, which are of no great service here; 
and that may answer the purpose mentioned at Kings Ferry. 
The twelves, will be most eligible, if to be spared.H 

On the same day the General was informed that the guns 
were ready for service; but it was not until the seventeenth 
of the month, that they were ordered by him to their desti- 

*Lamb papers, N. Y. His. Soc. f Idem. J Family tradition. 

§ Lamb papers, N. Y. His. Soc. T[Idem. 

II So in the original. 



J 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 257 

nation;* and on the return of the batteau, intelligence was 
brought that the sloop of war, Vulture, was in Haverstraw 
bay;t which soon took her station near Teller's point, some 
eight or ten miles below King's Ferry. The next day, a flag 
was despatched from the vessel to Gen. Arnold.J It hap- 
pened that day, that Col. Lamb dined at head quarters, where 
Smith was an invited guest. In a narrative of these trans- 
actions, published by Smith, it is stated, that he, (Smith) 
enquired the meaning of this intercourse. At first, he says 
Arnold replied, " that in a short time, the business of the 
flags would be explained"; soon afterwards, it was mentioned 
at dinner, by Gen. Arnold, that the flags had brought letters 
from Col. Beverly Robinson, who. Gen. Arnold said, was 
very anxious to make terms for the recovery of his estates, 
that had been confiscated to the public use, and that Col. 
Robinson was authorized to propose, through his medium, 
some preliminary grounds for an accommodation between 
Great Britain and America. Col. Lamb, an old and saga- 
cious officer, who, with a number of other officers from the 
garrison, was present at the dinner, immediately said, that 
any proposition of that kind, ought with more propriety, to 
be made to Congress, than to a General, only commanding 
a district.§ Gen. Arnold replied, that the communication 

* Lamb papers, N. Y. His. Soc. fldem. 

I Smith's narrative, 

§ The coincidence of this opinion, with that subsequently given by the 
Commander-in-Chief, is worthy of remark: 

" To all appearance, the letter related only to Robinson's private affair, 
and merely contained a request for an interview respecting that matter. 
Washington did not approve the proposal, and told Arnold that such a 
conference would afford grounds for suspicion, in the minds of some 
people, and advised him to avoid it; saying further, that the subject in 
which Col. Robinson was interested, did not come within the powers of 
a military officer, and that the civil government of the state was the only 
authority to which he could properly apply." — Sparks^s Arnold, pages 
187, 188. 

33 



258 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

must at first, be made through some channel, and here the 
conversation ended.* 

The day after this conversation, Col. Livingston, command- 
ing at Verplanck's point, supposing that the Vulture could be 
annoyed from the shore, sent a messenger to West Point, for 
a supply of ammunition.! This was furnished, and with it, 
was sent the following letter : 

West Point, 20th Sept., 1780. 
Sir: 

I have sent you the ammunition you requested, but at the 
same time, I wish there may not be a wanton waste of it, as 
we have little to spare. 

Firing at a ship with a four pounder, is in my opinion, a 
waste of powder; as the damage she will sustain, is not equal 
to the expense. Whenever applications are made for am- 
munition, they must be made through the commanding officer 
of artillery, at the post where it is wanted. 

I am Sir, Yours, &c., 

John Lamb.| 
Col. Livingston. 

Had Col. Lamb been aware of the blessed effects to be pro- 
duced by this cannonade, he would not have dispensed his 
munitions so grudgingly; for never were balls so well ex- 
pended, as those which were fired upon that occasion. 

On the next night, the 21st, Arnold had despatched a flag 
by Smith, to the Vulture to bring on shore the Adjutant- 
General of the British forces, in order to consummate his 
plans for the surrender of the Forts in the Highlands, and the 
ruin of Washingston's army.§ The meeting was appointed 
on the west bank of the Hudson, at the foot of the Long 
Clove, below the American posts, and within the lines of 
the army. This was accordingly effected, and the conference 
being a long one, the day was on the point of dawning, be- 
fore it was completed.|| Here the British officer, obtained 
plans of the fortifications, and the returns of the different de- 

* Appendix D. t Lamb papers, N. Y. His. Soc. t Uem. 

4 Smith's Narrative. || Idem 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 259 

partments, which had been procured by Arnold, with so much 
diligence; and here, the traitor received the pledge of indem- 
nity, and emolument, which was to be the reward of his vil- 
lainy.* A difficulty now occurred, that had not been fore- 
seen, or provided for. The business was completed, and 
nothing wanting but the return of Major Andre to the Vul 
ture. This was ordered done,f but the boatmen, already 
fatigued with having rowed twelve miles, would not consent 
to go back to the ship;| particularly, as the ebbtide was set- 
ting strongly, and would have swept them below the vessel. 

The morning of the 22d, had fairly dawned, when the four 
pounder at Teller's point, opened upon the Vulture, and 
compelled her to shift her moorings.^ Arnold, after re- 
maining at Smith's house, with his victim, the greater part 
of the day, furnished passports, and prevailed upon Smith to 
accompany Andre through the American lines, by land, and 
hence the providential discovery of the plot, which, had it 
been successful, might have involved the country in irretriev- 
able ruin. 1 1 

This portion of the plot seems to have been most clumsily 
contrived; and unless it was changed in part of its details, 
failed from its own stupidity. Why the Vulture should not 
have been ordered nearer to the place of meeting, if the in- 
terview which took place, was originally intended to be on 
the west side, and at the Long Clove, is very difficult to ima- 
gine. From Smith's account, boats were procured above 
the mouth of Haverstraw creek,!! and after passing the Ameri- 
can forts, proceeded eight or nine miles below them, in order 

* Smith's narrative. 1 Idem. 

I This part of Smith's narrative, is discredited by Mr. Sparks, and yet 
it is quite as credible as any other part of it. Stress islciid upon the de- 
claration of Smith, on board the ship, that a horse would be in readi- 
ness to take Andre to his house; but if such vpas the original intention, 
it is very strange that it was not done immediately on landing ; instead 
of wasting hours in the bushes, which might have been more conveniently 
spent in more comfortable quarters. 

§ Smith's narrative. |[ Idem. If Werrv. 



260 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

to bring Andre to the conference, and then to cross the river 
three or four miles, to carry him back to the Vultui'e. Most 
of the histories mention the change in the position of the 
ship, as the cause of the boatmen refusing to return to her; 
but as the tide was running ebb, she might have been reached 
with less labor, some miles below, than at her original an- 
chorage; and according to Smith, they declined the attempt 
before the filing began.* But it is certain that the unex- 
pected attack on the Vulture, which Arnold had not contem- 
plated, alarmed, and disconcerted him. The firing had drawn 
the attention of the population to the vessel; the danger of 
a second visit was necessarily increased, and he, trembling 
for his own safety, was anxious to get Andre back to New 
York, in the most expeditious manner. 

The hand of Heaven was in this event, as it had been 
throughout the war, in many others most conspicuously. Had 
Andre exhibited a presence of mind worthy of his reputation 
for sagacity, the die had been cast, which sealed the fate of 
the Highland passes, and of the army. The garrison at West 
Point, weakened as it was, by the contrivances of Arnold, 
could not have made a successful resistance; yet they would 
have contended to the last, and the formidable forces which 
were destined to attack the post, being sufficiently numerous 
to assault it on all sides at once, would most probably have 
put the defenders to the sword. 

On the 24th, General Washington reached Fishkill, on his 
return from Hartford, from his conference with Count Ro- 
chambeau;f and on the morning of the next day, with his aid 
Col. Hamilton, accompanied by Generals La Fayette and 
Knox, and their suite, set out to breakfast by appointment 
with Arnold at his head quarters.J The three Generals 
turned aside to visit a redoubt in the neighborhood, and the 
retinue went forward to request that Mrs. Arnold would not 
wait breakfast for them. While at breakfast,^ a dispatch was 

* Smith's narrative. f Hamilton's History. J Idem. 

§ Ten o'clock, according to Thatcher's journal. 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 261 

handed Arnold, which threw him into evident trepidation; 
and calling Mrs. Arnold out of the room, he informed her of 
the capture of Andre, and the necessity of his departure.* 
This intelligence was too appalling, not to affect her to the 
last degree, and overcome with terror, she fainted. No time 
could be spared for conjugal tenderness or sympathy, if any 
such existed, at such a moment, in a mind selfish in the ex- 
treme ; he therefore returned to the room, informed the guests 
of the necessity of immediately repairing to West Point to 
prepare for the reception of the Commander-in-Chief; and 
mounting the horse of the messenger who had brought the 
letter, made all haste by the nearest path to the river. 

Washington in the mean time arrivedf , and being informed 
of Mrs. Arnold's illness, rode without dismounting to the ferry 
and crossed over to West Point. His arrival was most un- 
expected to the commander of the garrison, and the General 
expressed equal surprise at finding that Arnold had not pre- 
ceded him. He did not long remain in suspense, for during 
his absence, dispatches had arrived, and being opened by 
Col. Hamilton, they disclosed the astounding intelligence 
of the capture of Andre, and the defection of Arnold. These 
were immediately forwarded to Washington, while Hamilton 
and McHenry, the aid of La Fayette, hurried to the water 
side, hoping to intercept the fugitive ;| but found that he 
was beyond reach, on his way to the Vulture. 

When Washington received this alarming intelligence, he 
communicated it to Col. Lamb,§ who was overwhelmed 
with consternation and surprise. Though conscious of his 
own rectitude, yet from his known friendship for Arnold, 
which had always been ardently avowed; and which had 
at one time nearly brought on a duel with an oflicer of the 
Gates faction in his defence ;|| he could not but apprehend 

* Hamilton's History. 

t V2 o'clock, according to Thatcher's journal. ^ idem. 

J Haiiiilton's History. 

II In proportion to the ardor and sincerity of his friendship for Arnold, 
Col. Lamb imbibed the most decided contempt and detestation for the 



262 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

that he might possibly be suspected, as cognizant of the plot.* 
Perhaps at first, a surmise of that nature might have crossed 
the mind of Washington; but he must have bgen soon reas- 
sured by the honest glow exhibited in the countenance of 
Lamb, and the burst of indignation which followed the dis- 
closure of Arnold's treachery. 

The posts below, were in the vicinity of the house of Smith, 
who was obnoxious to suspicion; and wishing to make some 
enquiry, in the hope of discovering accomplices, if any ex- 
apostate after his defection. By one of the numerous flags which passed 
the lines on the occasion of the capture of Andre, the officer who brought 
it was charged to present the regards of Gen. Arnold to Col. Lamb. Be 
good enough, sir, was the reply, to tell Gen. Arnold, that the acquaint- 
ance between us is forgotten ; and that if he were to be hanged to-morrow, 
I would go barefooted to witness his execution. 

But notwithstanding this change of feeling, he would never suffer the 
reputation of Arnold as a soldier to be called in question ; or his courage 
and conduct in the field impeached, without defending both. Some years 
afterwards, when dining at Putnam's head quarters, in company with one 
of Gates's Brigadiers, who had served at Saratoga, the name of Arnold was 
introduced, when " Confusion to the traitor" was drank with great unani- 
mity. And when his demerits had been freely discussed, Col. Lamb re- 
marked that it was a pity so good a soldier, and a man of such consum- 
mate courage^ should become so despicable a villain. 

Consummate courage, sir! said Gen. G.: where has he ever exhibited 
any proof of such quality? Sir, said Col. Lamb, you astonish me by 
the question. In my judgment, it would be more difficult to point out 
an instance where he has not given ample evidence of bravery, than to 
enumerate the instances of his intrepidity. I was with him at the storm 
of Quebec, and at the battle of Compo; and am somewhat qualified to 
judge: and if these exploits are not sufficient, the battle of the 7th Oct., in 
1777, and the storming of the German intrenchments, would add strength 
to my testimony Pshaw! sir, was the rejoinder; mere Dutch courage: 
He was drunk, sir. Sir, said Col. Lamb, let me tell you, that drunker 
sober, you will never be an Arnold, or fit to compare with him in any 
military capacity. What do you mean by that, sir? exclaimed Gen. G. 
Literally and emphatically what I say, was the answer. Here Putnam 
(who lisped) broke in; Whath all thith. he said; God, cuth it, gentlemen, 
let the traitor go! Here's Wathington's health in a brimmer. This 
ended the conversation, and the matter was not pushed to farther arbitra- 
ment. 

* Family tradition. 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 263 

isted, Washington dispatched Col. Lamb, under injunctions 
of secrecy, to relieve Col. Livingston at Verplanck's Point. 
The order was in his own hand writing, and was in such 
terms as effectually removed the unpleasant feelings of him 
who was to execute it. 

Sir: 

It is my wish to see Col. James Livingston to-night, and 
I write him by you on the occasion. In his absence you will 
take command of the posts at Stoney and Verplanck's Point, 
till further orders. 

I am. Sir, 
With great regard and esteem. 
Your most obed. serv., 
H'd Quarters, Robinson's House Go. Washington.* 

in the Highlands. 
Sept. 25, 1780. 
t — o'clock, P. M. 
To Col. John Lamb of the Artillery. 

The discovery of a plot so dangerous, was enough to have 
shaken the nerves of most men; yet the firmness of the Com- 
mander-in-Chief was not discomposed by it; for the letter to 
Col. Livingston exhibits no marks of nervous trepidation, 
although it must have been penned within a very short period 
after the disclosure. 

A letter was written to the Commander-in-Chief from 
Verplanck's, by Col. Lamb,J the copy of which is lost, but on 
the subject of which, the following reply will throw some light: 

Robinson's House, the 26 Sept., 1780. 
D'r Sir: 

I have received your favor of to-day. We can not find on 
examination, any charge against Thomas Smith, and there- 
fore we can not with propriety, take any measures respecting 
him. His situation, however, may become a subject of the 
State's consideration. As to Joshua Smith, he is in safe 
custody; and has had a good share in the matters which have 
been carrying on. He furnished Maj. Andre with a coat to 

* Lamb papers, N. Y. His. Soc. 
t The hour is obliterated by damp, 
t Lamb papers, N. Y. His. Soc, 



264 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

disguise himself, who left his uniform one, and which Capt. 
Carnes will get, in consequence of a letter from Mr. Smith, 
for the purpose. You will send the Captain the enclosed. 
I wish you to say nothing of tliis matter, as we may possibly 
receive further intelligence with respect to the plotj or at 
least of other characters. 

I am, d'r sir, 
Y'r most obed. s't, 

Go. Washington.* 
Col. Lamb, at Verplanck's Point. 

The next day brought an order to Col. Lamb to resume 
his command at West Point. He had found the posts at 
King's Ferry in no fit condition to repulse an enemy in case 
of attack; but by constant activity throughout the night, un- 
der his direction they were placed in an effective condition 
of defence.! 

The defection of Arnold w^as a thunder stroke to his friends: 
and none were more utterly astounded by it than Col. Varrick, 
his warm hearted and ardent secretary and aid-de-camp. He 
too, had on all occasions espoused the cause of the unworthy 
General; and withstood the torrent of sycophancy and indi- 
rection that had exiled Arnold from the northern army .J 
He was at that time laboring under a debilitating disease; 
and the shock, combined with his illness, seemed to have 
utterly prostrated his physical and mental energies. § The 
first letter he wrote to Col. Lamb, three days after the dis- 
covery, was so incoherent, that it required another the next 
day, but little less so to explain it.|| He had immediately 
upon the discovery of the plot, applied for a court of enquiry, 
and the least delay made him fidgety to the last degree. He 
threatened to be troublesome to Gen. Heath, if far- 
ther delays were interposed. Under these influences, he thus 
wrote to Lamb: "My intellects are much deranged by in- 
disposition, or rather by a complication of misfortunes, which 
must apologize to you for my scrawling and blotting in so 

*Lamb papers, N. Y. His. Soc. t Family history. 

\ Lamb papers, N. Y. His. Soc. § Idem (1 Idem. 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 266 

scandalous a manner. A little touch of fever in the night, 
has much debilitated me."* 

During all this time, the commissioners of sequestration 
were teazing him with questions relative to the horses, and 
other moveables of the absconding General.f At length he 
became sufficiently composed to indite the following letter : 

Rob. House, Oct. 5th, 1780. 
My Dear Colonel : 

If the weather be fair and wholesome, I should be happy 
to pay General St. Clair, yourself, and my other friends, a 
short visit to-morrow morning; but I have no horse of 
my own here, nor yet a boat to convey me to you. If it 
be not inconvenient, you '11 much oblige me by sending your 
barge. 

I feel myself much recovered; I have last evening con- 
quered the diarrhoea, by means of in substance by chewing 
it. I hope now soon to recover a little strength, if with the 
assistance of a little good living, I can be favored by some 
bracing north-west winds. 

Is Gen. Schuyler atPoughkeepsie? If so, have you means 
of conveyance there? Or I believe General St. Clair will, 
in case of a certainty of his being there, oblige me by send- 
ing a horseman, with a letter to him. I shall want him much 
on my Court Martial, or enquiry into my conduct. I mean 
to make the most of this favorable opportunity, in showing 
to the World, a true portrait of my conduct, from the earliest 
period of the war, from stage to stage, 'till the memorable 
25th Sept. last. On this occasion, you '11 be of no small ser- 
vice to me, with respect to my lineof conduct since my join- 
ing Arnold's family. We had two wagoners from Colonel 
Nichols's regiment; the first was discharged before Arnold's 
departure; the last has withdrawn himself without my know- 
ledge, by whose order I know not, and has left the horses, 
wagon, and harness, God knows where. I never knew, nor 
did I concern myself about how many, and what kind of 
horses Arnold had. I never rode any of them, and was nei- 
ther his steward, or overseer. I happily disclaimed both, in 

* Lamb papers, N, Y. His, Soc. 
t Idem. 

34 



266 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

the first junction with his family. I remain with every sen- 
timent of sincere regard, and esteem, 
Dear Col., 

Your friend & 

Hum'e Serv't, 
Col. Lamb. Rich'd Varrick.* 

But if those more immediately affected by the fall of the re- 
volutionary Lucifer, were struck with astonishment, his other 
friends at a distance, were equally overwhelmed with the 
news. Oswald, who had been with him at Ticonderoga, and 
St. Johns; who fought at his side, when disabled at Quebec; 
who led his forlorn hope at that memorable storm, after his 
fall, and who had again rallied to his standard, at the obsti- 
nate battle of Compo, was not the least astounded by the 
event.f He had, after his resignation, entered into the print- 
ing, and publishingbusiness, at Philadelphia; was appointed 
public printer, and was a resident of that city, during the 
time it was under Arnold's command. The warm regard in- 
dulged for his former leader, had been a little shaken by the 
meannesses, and extortion there exhibited; but for the final 
catastrophe, he was wholly unprepared. In a letter to Col. 
Lamb, of the 11th December, 1780, he thus unburthens his 
mind : 

" Arnold's treachery was the principal subject of our two 
last letters. It will take up a small portion of this also, and 
then let his name sink as low in infamy, as it was once high 
in our esteem. Happy for him, and for his friends, it had 
been, had the ball which pierced his leg at Saratoga, been 
directed thro' his heart; he then would have finished his ca- 
reer in glory, but the remainder of his wretched existence, 
must now be one continued scene of horror, misery, and de- 
spair. 

It must be confessed, that altho' he has been a principal, 
in producing one of the greatest events, that hath taken place 
in America; yet he has also displayed as vile a prostitution 
of principle, as ever disgraced human nature: in fact, he has 
convinced the world that he is as base a prostitute as this, or 

♦Lamb papers. N. Y. His. Soc. tidem. 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 267 

any other country ever nurtured to maturity; and as a pun- 
ishment for the enormity of his crimes, the mark of Cain is 
branded on him in the most indelible characters. A mark by 
which " every one he meeteth shall know him, and slay him." 
So that the most eligible situation in life, nay, even the uni- 
verse itself, can not secure him from the keen reproaches of 
his conscience; which will, perhaps, continue to harrow his 
soul beyond the verge of this present scene. On this stage, 
all good men will unite in execrating his memory to the 
latest posterity. Even villains, less guilty than himself, will 
not cease to upbraid him, and tho' they " approve the trea- 
son, they '11 despise the traitor."* 

But few of the copies of the private letters of Col. Lamb, 
have been preserved, but we may venture to assume, that on 
this topic, they equalled any of those of his friends in bitter- 
ness of invective. 

A Court Martial was ordered to try Joshua Smith, for par- 
ticipation in Arnold's plot, and he, thinking that the enquiry 
put to Arnold, respecting the flags between the two lines of 
the army, in the early part of the month, would make in his 
favor, insisted upon having the testimony of Col. Lamb.f 
He, however, was at that time not well able to attend, and 
in a letter to the Commander-in-Chief, he stated that his tes- 
timony would not be available, either for, or against the pri- 
soner, and begged to be excused from attendance.J But the 
justice of Washington would not permit him to consent to 
the absence of any witness, which Smith deemed to be fa- 
vorable to his case, and Col. Lamb attended as a witness.^ 
He confirmed the declaration of Smith, respecting the con- 
versation at Arnold's table, already given from Smith's nar- 
rative; and the Court Martial, after an impartial hearing, 
could find nothing to justify farther proceedings against their 
prisoner. He was, however, handed over to the civil au- 
thorities, for a more thorough scrutiny. No indictments were 
found against him, but he was held in close durance for more 

•Lamb papers, N. Y. His. Soc. fldem J Idem. J Id«fn. 



'268 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

than a year and a half,* when he contrived to make his es- 
cape to his friends in New York; from thence he went to 
England, where he took up his residence. The British pe- 
riodicals of 1781, deceived by the discharge of Smith from 
the Court Martial, and probably ignorant of his subsequent 
imprjsonment, declared that he had purposely betrayed An- 
dre, and spoke of him with great contumely .f In 1808, seven 
years after the death of Arnold, as he would have it believed, 
he saw these publications, for the first time, and in his own 
justification, he published a narrative of the transactions in 
which he was engaged,| which is only valuable for its facts, 
so far as they are substantiated by other testimony. In this 
book he tries to make it appear, that he was the simple cats- 
paw of Arnold, and carried the flag to the Vulture, in good 
faith to the American government. It is quite probable that 
he was in some measure, the dupe of that artful, and design- 
ing man; who trusted him no farther than his own safety, 
and convenience would warrant; but that he was in every 
respect, as deeply implicated in the nefarious scheme, as the 
capacity of his mind would justify the confidence of its de- 
visers, is beyond all question. 

While the former friends of Arnold were execrating him, 
and his baseness, and casting him for ever from their afl^ec- 
tions, he was vainly expecting some sympathy from those 
who had so often fought his battles with the Gates faction, 
and fondly hoped his defection would inflict a vital wound 
upon the power and resources of the government; and even, 
that his example would stimulate others to abandon the 
American cause. Some desertions took place from the gar- 
rison about this period ;|| but the coincidence was most pro- 
bably accidental, and the individuals of the army, of every 
grade, seemed to vie with each other in the bitterness of 
their denunciations. Every memento of his name was ex- 
punged from the garrison which he had so basely undertaken 

* Smith's narrative. tidem. J Idem. 

II Lamb papers' 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB 269 

to betray, and Fort Arnold, the original appellation* of the 
first fortifications erected at West Point, is unknown in his- 
tory, and only to be found in the military correspondence, 
and garrison orders of that day.f 

The dangerous conspiracy of this abominable man, was 
long premeditated, and artfully carried on. He had received 
many causes of mortification, and disgust, at an early period 
of the revolution. He had been neglected in the promotions 
of 1777, and juniors of very inferior merit, and capacity, 
placed in command above him ; and it was not until his bril- 
liant achievements at Ridgefield, and Compo, that the tardy 
justice of Congress raised him to a rank, which his former 
services had so richly merited.| Even then, the inefficient 
officers which had so unjustly superseded him, out-ranked 
him, whenever the service brought them together. Gen. 
Washington did what he could to prevent this, and to re- 
medy the evils inflicted upon him. And well knowing his 
efficiency in the field, he sent him to the north as a powerful 
auxiliary to General Schuyler. The success of his expedition 
to relieve Fort Stanwix, added to his military reputation; but 
on his return, he found the excellent Schuyler about to be su- 
perseded in his command; and the vain and arrogant Gates, 
the head of the monster faction, in conspiracy against Wash- 
ington, placed in his stead. The new commander of the 
northern army, had gathered round him a host of malcon- 
tents and scycophants, ready to indulge his vanity; and pre- 
pared to gratify his spleen against all who were known to 
be opposed to his designs. The irritability of Arnold was 
full equal to the arrogance of Gates ;§ and means were not 
lacking to excite it to the uttermost. Like Hotspur, the an- 
gry General was " pestered with popinjays" and the haugh- 
tiness of the commander, aided by the petty annoyances of his 
subordinates, galled the temper of a spirit, in whom 

" The first sin that peopled hell," 
glowed with all its fierceness. 

• The fortification originally called Fort Arnold, is now Fort Clintoa. 
t .Tniirnals of Congress t Idem. 4 Wilkinson's Memoirs. 



270 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

His skill and intrepidity had gained two important victo- 
ries;* and laurels bravely won, had been torn from him, to 
deck the brow of his vain glorious cotemporary. These were 
sufficient to sour a mind, not very placable. But these, and 
the merited rebuffs and disgraces which he received from the 
government of Pennsylvania and Congress, would not per- 
haps have driven him to infamy, had not the same cause that 
lost Mark Antony the empire, lured him to embrace it. 
There is little doubt that his beautiful and accomplished wife, 
was the prime mover of the grand conspiracy; and that the 
account in Davis's life of Burr, derived from Mrs. Burr, who 
had been the wife of Maj. Prevost, of the British army, is 
strictly correct.f | 

The scene which deceived the sagacity of Washington 
himself, and won the sympathies of all the gallant spirits 
around him, was inimitably well performed; and her services 
in bringing over her husband to the British side, were well 
compensated by the countenance of royalty, to her and her 
unworthy mate; and with the addition of a pension to her- 
self, from the Queen, out of her privy purse, which she en- 
joyed during her life time.§ 

The tragedy which followed, gave to the name of Arnold 
a melancholy celebrity; and kept him for a longer period in 
the mind of his former comrades. But in the grave of An- 
dre was entombed, all but the infamy, of him who caused his 
death: nor could the parricidal efforts of the traitor against 
his countrymen, add to the weight of opprobrium with which 
his name was loaded, and which blotted for ever his former 
glory. 

His bombastic addresses and manifestos, although they 
may have helped to bolster his consequence with those who 
had bought the " filthy bargain," produced nothing but con- 
tempt and derision from the hardy associates he had aban- 

* Marshall. f Davis's Burr. t Marbois' Biography of Arnold. 
§ Information to the writer in 1801, by Hannah Arnold, sister of the 
General. 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 271 

doned, and his name became a by -word and reproach, to mark 
the depth of degradation and villainy. 

Shortly after the flight of Arnold, the garrison at West 
Point was, on the 5th Oct., increased; and Gen. McDougall 
took charge of the post,* until superseded by St. Clair; while 
Col. Lamb still remained as commandant of artillery, and 
continued in garrison, until the army went into winter quar- 
ters.f He then resumed his station at Fishkill, while the 
major part of the regiment, under Lieut.-Col. Stevens, were 
at head quarters at New Windsor.| The question of rank 
between Col. Crane and himself being still suspended, this 
arrangement prevented a clashing of authority on the score 
of seniority, as Col. Crane was with his regiment in camp. 
A severe indisposition compelled him to seek some relaxa- 
tion from military duty, and he joined his family at South- 
ington, where he remained until the state of his health ena- 
bled him to resume his duties at Fishkill.§ 

* Lamb papers, N. Y. His, Soc. t Idem. t Idem. § Idem. 



272 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 



CHAPTER XX. 

Attack on Fort George. — Fort Ann. — Brant's Incursion. — Repelled.—^ 
Distress of the Army. — Mutiny, Wayne's Division. — British tamper 
with Mutineers. — Overtures rejected. — Holland and Spain. — Design on 
New York. — Conference at AVethersfield. — Attempt fails. — Dispatches 
stolen. — Moody the Spy. — Smith. — Arnold. — Preparations for the 
South. — Rev. Mr. Mason's Letter. — Order to march. — Cross the Hud- 
son. — The Delaware. — Head of Elk. — James River. — Yorktown in- 
vested. — Redoubts stormed. — French Battery carried. — Retaken. — 
Chamade. — Capitulation^ — 1780, 1781 . 

Sir Henry Clinton's covert scheme of finishing the war, 
having failed, he had an opportunity to retrieve his reputa- 
tion, by an open attack upon the fortresses which he so con- 
fidently considered as his own. But had he been so disposed, 
he would have found the garrison of sufficient force to repel 
him; and officers within its walls, who would have defended 
it to the last extremity.* Beside the former commander of 
the post, now in charge of the artillery, there were Ganse- 
voort and Willett, signalized at Fort Stanwixjf with Thayer, 
who had so bravely defended Fort Mifflin.J The reputation 
which all these men had gained, was sufficient warrant of a 
resolute defence; and it was matter of regret to all at the 
station, that the British General did not attempt to redeem 
by chivalry, the failure of the stratagem, which had termin- 
ated so ingloriously to all concerned. Movements were 
made at the north,§ which seemed to be in concert with the 
design of Sir Henry to obtain the passes of the Hudson. The 
forts at Lake George and Fort Ann were taken,|| and the 
valley of the Mohawk, was again invaded by the sanguinary 
horde under Johnson and Brant, that had ravaged it in 
May.lf But the enemy from the north, advanced no farther 

*Lamb papers, N. T, His. Soc. t Idem. J Idem, 
§ Marshall. II Idem. t Idem. 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 273 

down the Hudson; and the marauders on the Mohawk, were 
repelled by the state forces under the Governor and Colonel 
Van Rensselaer, before the detachment under General James 
Clinton, ordered to that quarter, could reach the scene of 
action.* 

The star of the British commander was more auspicious in 
the south; and after annihilating Gates at Camden, Corn- 
wallis remained master of the country; until the appointment 
of General Greene to the southern department, changed the 
aspect of affairs in that quarter.f 

Washington had struggled through difficulties which had 
attended the close of the campaign of 1779; and the unex- 
ampled patience of the troops, had enabled him to keep his 
army in subordination, during the severe privations to which 
it was subjected.J The same state of starvation and wretch- 
edness, was again approaching; and the fortitude of the 
commander, and the endurance of the men were to be put to 
a farther trial.§ But a portion of the army would no longer 
remain passive under the accumulation of misery; and a part 
of Wayne's division of Pennsylvania troops, revolted.|| Af- 
ter killing one of their officers who had endeavored to arrest 
them, they would have taken the life of their commander also, 
had he not prudently desisted from farther efforts to coerce 
them to submission.!! Sir Henry Clinton, now imagined that 
some effect had been produced by Arnold's manifesto; and 
that he should yet reap a harvest from the seeds of disaffec- 
tion which he had endeavored to sow. Emissaries were des- 
patched from New York, to tamper with these revolters;** 
but so far from having had any disposition to join the enemy, 
the proffers of the British General were sent to Wayne; and 
the emissaries themselves, were kept in durance by the dis- 
contented troops, until their grievances were redressed.ff A 
part of the New Jersey line, followed the example of their 
brethren of Pennsylvania, and the Commander-in-Chief sent 

♦Marshall. tidem. J; Idem. $Idem. || Idem and 

Thatcher's Journal. t Marshall, **Idem. t|-Idem. 

35 



274 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

a detachment under General How, to reduce them to submis- 
sion; which was done without bloodshed.* 

A gleam of sunshine now spread over the benighted pros- 
pects of the country, in the accession of Holland to the armed 
neutrality, and the subsequent declaration of war against that 
power, by England;! by which a powerful ally was gained 
against the common enemy, and a negotiation was in train, 
to bring Spain too, into the confederacy, although it was not 
brought to successful issue, without the concession of our 
right to navigate the Mississippi to the Ocean, and the claim 
of a free port, at the mouth of the river, were abandoned. In 
spite of every discouragement, preparations were made for 
an attack on New York, in conjunction with the French 
army. An interview between the two commanders, took 
place at Wethersfield;| and a correspondence was carried on 
between them, to mature the plan, and determine the time of 
the attack. The army took the field, and assembled at Peeks- 
kill, and the first of July was the time fixed upon for the ex- 
pedition. The enemy had jdetached a large force into New 
Jersey, and all circumstances seemed favorable to success. 
Gen. Lincoln, who had been taken at Charleston, and now 
recently exchanged for Gen. Phillips, of Burgoyne's army, 
was despatched in force, down the river in the night, to take 
a favorable position, which was done near the enemy's lines, 
unperceived.§ But on the opening of the day, it was dis- 
covered that the British had recalled their army from Jersey, 
and were strongly intrenched at the head of the island. This 
force was too formidable to be assailed, and the attempt, to- 
gether with another, to surprise Delancy's corps, near Mor- 
risania,|l connected with it failed. 

About this time, a Captain James Moody, the identical 
prisoner held in irons at West Point, at the suggestion of 
Mr. Duer, the year before, was sent with others from New 
York, to assassinate Governors Clinton, and Livingston, and 
the Commander-in-Chief. In this they failed; but Moody 

*Marshall. fldem. | Idem. ^dem. || Idem. 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 275 

was successful in stealing the despatches passing from head 
quarters to Congriess, detailing the plan fixed upon by the 
two commanders, for the attack on the city;* and hence the 
recall of the troops from New Jersey, and the formidable pre- 
parations of the enemy to frustrate the enterprise. These 
despatches were brought in at the same time that Joshua 
Smith, the supposed confederate of Arnold, who had been 
conducted through the American lines, after his escape from 
prison, reached the city; and probably the same daring hand 
that purloined the despatches, contrived, and effected the es- 
cape of the suspected accomplice of the traitor.f 

While the allied armies were encamped near Dobbs's Ferry, 
in Westchester county, the country which had been aban- 
doned by its former inhabitants, was made the source of sup- 
plies. The former proprietors were of both parties, and the 
commissioners of the State of New York had sequestered the 
estates of the tories to the public use. Col. Udney Hay, who 
had been Assistant Quarter-Master-General of the Middle 
Department, had been appointed agent of the State, to take 
this property and other matters in charge. He accordingly, 
in conformity to an act of the Legislature of New York, of 
1st July, 1781, notified the Quarter-Master-General, Col. 
Pickering, of his authority; and made a demand for compen- 
sation for forage and supplies taken; and for waste commit- 
ted, upon what had become the domain of the State. J The 
whig refugees respectively, also made the same claim upon 
the government. The Quarter-Master-General felt himself 
embarrassed by these demands; and suits being threatened, he 
requested instructions from head quarters. The Commander- 
in-Chief declined to interfere; and Col. Pickering referred 
the matter to Congress. An angry controversy was carried 
on for some time, between the agent of the State and the 
committees of the refugees, on the one hand; and the Quar- 
ter-Master-General on the other.§ The matter was finally 

* Smith's narrative. tidem. 

t Tillinghast papers, in Historical Society Library. § Idem. 



276 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

adjusted, by a resolve of Congress, passed towards the close 
of the year, directing Gen. Heath to submit the matter to 
arbitration; and the award and expenses were borne by the 
government.* 

The design upon New York having failed, Washington 
resolved upon operations in the south; but in order to con- 
ceal his purpose, he still continued in the neighborhood of 
the enemy; at the same time, every preparation was made 
for the intended expedition.! While engaged in preparing 
his corps for the march, Col. Lamb received the following 
letter from a reverend clerical friend, who seems to have 
scanned the policy of the government with the sagacity of a 
soldier. 

West Point, Aug. 10, '81. 
My Dear Sir: 

We have not any news here that deserves a transmission 
to you. The enemy's establishing a post, somewhere about 
lake George, is reported, and contradicted, believed, and 
treated as a falsehood. This is all I know of the] affair. Gene- 
rally, we have bread; sometimes beef The three months 
men are popping in from the eastward. Col. Nichols, with 
his invalids, lately arrived here from Philadelphia. A num- 
ber of these, unfortunate men, are capable of doing no duty, 
but eating their rations. In their dress, and other circum- 
stances, you may, however, see visible characters of the 
gratitude of the country, to the brave men, who have bled in 
its cause. It is no doubt a piece of refined policy, to bring 
these maimed men from a distant post, to present them to 
our soldiery, who have sagacity enough to infer, that after 
losing eyes, hands, and feet, in the public service, that their 
patriotic sufferings will be amply rewarded, by being put in 
possession of the honors conferred on the invalid corps. They 
will, I understand, be parcelled out to Fishkill, Fishkill 
Landing, Newburgh, and New Windsor, where some of 
them may be employed in easy duty. 

As I am not in possession of cabinet secrets, it would be 
presumption in me, to say, the hopes of some leading men 
respecting an attempt on New York, are ill-founded: but 
when I consider the present state of our public affairs, I can 

* Journals Congress. t Lamb papers, N. Y. Hist. Soc. 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 277 

not help fearing that nothing of importance will be done. 
Possibly I may be mistaken: I wish I may. 

The salvation of America will not be owing to our policy 
or exertions; but to that grace, that has hitherto supported 
us, and interposed for us, when oui* hope was at the lowest 
ebb. 

I am, dear sir. 

Your alFcctionate friend, 

John Mason * 
Col. Lamb. 

At length the order to march was given,t and the artil- 
lery, placed under the orders of Col. Lamb, broke up from 
Dobbs's Ferry, and, moving up the river, crossed at King's 
Ferry with the ordnance and stores to the west bank; and 
joining the division under Gen. Lincoln, they took up their 
march for the Delaware; while the manoeuvres of another 
part of the army seemed to indicate to the enemy only a 
change of position for the apprehended attack upon the 
city. The artillery was reinforced on the march, by the 
companies from West Point, which had been ordered to join 
upon the route ;| and the division of Lincoln, crossing at 
Trenton, 31st August, joined the main army at Philadelphia.^ 
There the heavy artillery, ordnance and stores, were em- 
barked for Christiana bridge; and, on the 10th Sept., trans- 
ported across to the head of Elk river, which falls into the 
Chesapeake bay;|| while the army proceeded with all dis- 
patch to the same point, in order to embark for James 
river.1T So well were these designs concerted, that Wash, 
ington had begun his march from Philadelphia, before Sir 
Henry Clinton was apprised of his intention, and found that 
it was too late to succor his southern army.** 

Calms and head winds, retarded the passage down the 
Chesapeake, and it was not until the twenty-fifth of Septem- 
ber that the artillery arrived in James river.ff Col. Lamb 
was ordered to survey the river, in order to find a convenient 

* Lamb papers, N. Y. His. Soc. t Idem. Jldem. ^ Idem. t|Idem. 
t Idem. ** Marshall, ft Lamb papers, N. Y. His. Soc 



278 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

point for the debarkation of the materiel of his department.* 
A position at Trebel's Landing was selected, and the great- 
est expedition was made to get on shore the battering train 
and the stores of the ordnance- Before these were in a 
state of readiness, the army marched down the peninsula, 
and on the 27th, took post within a mile of the enemy's in- 
trenchments, at Yorktown.f The French army arrived the 
next day, and took position on the American left; and the 
town was completely invested on the land side, while the 
ships of France cut off all hope of escape by water.J The 
most unremitting labor was necessary to perfect the necess- 
ary batteries; but the British General gave some facility to 
this, by withdrawing from his out-works, and concentrating 
his troops within the town. The besiegers persevered with 
great industry in constructing their works, under a heavy 
fire of shot and shells from the enemy; and it was not until 
the 9th of October, in the evening, that the American bat- 
teries were prepared to play upon the lines of the enemy.§ 

A general order was issued,|| enjoining upon the artillery 
great attention to the precision of their fire; and that the 
ammunition should not be uselessly expended; and the offi- 
cers were ordered to point the guns themselves. In addition 
to the general officers in command in the trenches, a field 
officer of artillery was each day detailed for that service; 
and another officer, of like rank, was instructed to take the 
direction of the park, and superintend the proper supplies for 
the trenches.1I As soon as the batteries were ready to open, 
on the 9th Oct., La Fayette was ordered to the trenches; and 
Lamb, who took this tour of duty in rotation with his 
Lieut.-CoL, Stevens, Lieut.-Col. Carrington, and Major 
Bauman, was the field officer of the day.** The first gun 
was prepared and pointed, and Washington himself now ap- 
plied the match.f t A roar of the enemy's cannon from all 

* Lamb papers, N. Y. His. Soc. f Idem. J Marshall. § Idem. 
II Vide Appendix. H Lamb papers, N. Y. His. Soc. ** Idem. 
tt Thatcher's Journal. 



«l 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 279 

his batteries was produced by the fire. From that time the 
cannonade was incessant, and to the enemy particularly 
destructive. 

Some hot shot and shells from the French batteries, on 
the 10th, passing over the town, fired the Charon, a forty- 
four gun frigate, which, communicating to three transports, 
they were all consumed; and the destructive eiiects of the 
combined batteries upon the enemy's works began to be ap- 
parent.* Two redoubts, advanced in front of their line, 
were very annoying to the besiegers, and orders were given 
to take them by storm. The Marquis de La Fayette com- 
manded a detatchment of Americans against that on the 
right, and the assault of the one on the left was committed 
to the French, under Baron De Viomenil.f La Fayette's 
forlorn hope was led by Col. Hamilton, and the redoubt was 
carried, on the 14th, with great gallantry at the point of the 
bayonet,| The palisades and abattis were scaled, and 
Hamilton, placing one foot on the shoulder of a soldier who 
knelt for that purpose, sprang upon the parapet, and was the 
first man within the wall.§ The French attack was also 
successful, but the work was not so soon carried, and was 
attended with greater loss, owing to the troops being under 
a heavy fire, until the sappers had opened a passage; a loss 
which ours avoided, by the promptness of the escalade.[| 

To counterbalance this achievement, a force under Col. 
Abercrombie was sent against two of the French redoubts, 
not in a perfect state of defence; and they, too, were car- 
ried, 16th Oct., without the discharge of a gun. The war 
cry of the Scottish Colonel, as he reached the trenches, was 
distinctly heard in the American batteries, and " skiver the 

* Marshall. T Idem. t Hamilton's History. 

4 The incident of the soldier kneeling at the request of Hamilton is not 
mentioned in the book of his son : still I have reason to believe it au- 
thentic. Many years since, in the studio of a deceased friend, I was 
shown a sketch for a picture of this storm, suggested to him by the late 
excellent Joseph D. Fay, who was a pupil of Gen. H. 

II Marshall. 



280 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

beggars" was better understood there, than by those in the 
disputed redoubt.* He did not long enjoy his conquest, 
for the guards rallied from the trenches and drove him back 
to the town.f The place was becoming, hourly, more and 
more untenable; and Cornwallis resolved upon a desperate 
effort to cut his way through the detachment of De Lauzun 
on the Gloucester side, and force a passage to the north- 
ward. Some progress was made in this enterprise, but a 
storm dispersing the boats provided for the passage of the 
river, he was compelled to abandon the design.J 

The second parallel was now completed. The division of 
Steuben was ordered to the trenches, and it being Col. 
Lamb's tour of duty, he was charged with the direction of 
the artillery.§ The fire on this day, was the most severe 
that had yet been opened upon the enemy; and so murder- 
ous was the effect, that about ten o'clock in the morning, 
Cornwallis beat a parley, and a cessation of hostilities ensued. 
The firing was not again renewed; and the remainder of the 
day, and the next after, being employed in adjusting terms: 
on the nineteenth day of October, the capitulation was 
signed, and the garrison marched out as prisoners of war.|[ 

• Traditional History. tMarshalL | Idem. 

$ Lamb papers, N. Y. His. See. || Marshall. 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 281 



CHAPTER XXI. 

American Artillery. — Complimented in General Order. — Ordered to the 
North. — Burlington. — Letter from Gov. Clinton — Col. Willett. — Go- 
vernment of Vermont. — Letter to Washington. — Reply. — Effects of 
the Capture of York. — Negotiations. — Inactivity of Congress. — Of the 
States generally. — Vigor of New York. — Of Connecticut, — Fourth of 
July at Trenton, — March from Burlington. — Address of the Citizens, 
— Cessation of hostilities at the North. — Conflicts on the Sound. 

The skill exhibited in the service of the American batte- 
ries, astonished their more experienced allies; particularly, 
as the officers of that corps, with a single exception,* and he 
not a man educated in the army, were all native officers ; and 
such was the conduct of the artillery, that the commander of 
the brigade received the especial thanks of Washington, in 
general orders; and he was enjoined to convey the General's 
acknowledgments to the whole corps, for the signal display of 
bravery, and skill, which they had at all times exhibited.! The 
French too, as they well deserved, received a due proportion 
of His Excellency's commendation; and the regiments of 
Augenois, and Deux Fonts, were particularly complimented 
by a present of the two brass pieces captured in the redoubt 
stormed by them.J 

The injunctions of the Commander-in-Chief were obeyed 
by Gen. Knox, and the brigade orders, reiterated in his own 
behalf, the praises which had been won by the officers of his 
corps, 'by the gallantry which they had displayed in the 
trenches.^ On the 20th October, the first division of the ar- 
tillery was ordered to the head of Elk, and the com- 
mander, not being prepared immediately to follow, the corps 
was placed in charge of Col. Lamb, and ordered for the north.(| 

* Major Bauman. 

t Appendix D. J Idem. § Idem. 

II Lamb papers. N Y. His. Soc. 

3G 



282 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

The first division was peculiarly favored, and arrived, on the 
5th of November, at the place of transit to the Delaware; 
but the residue were detained by bad weather, until late in 
the month, so that the heavy train, with the ordnance stores, 
were not landed on the east bank of the Delaware, near Bur- 
lington, until the first of the ensuing month.* Here, Col. 
Lamb was directed to remain with part of the corps, while 
the residue, with the field Artillery, were ordered to the North 
river.f Col. Lamb now applied for leave of absence, in order 
to attend to some pressing affairs with the Legislature of New 
York, in relation to his regiment; this was granted; but it 
was not until some days afterwards that the situation of the 
command, enabled him to take his leave of the camp.| Be- 
fore his departure he received the following letter from Gov. 
Clinton : 

PoKEEPSiE, 17 January, 1782. 

Confidential. 
Dear Sir : 

My last, acknowledged the receipt of your favors of the 
6th, and 16th of October, and was forwarded to Philadelphia 
a few days after the latter came to hand. 

It is with particular satisfaction, I can now a'dress§ a line 
to you in winter quarters, and congratulate you on the dis- 
tinguished success of the campaign, in the capture of a whole 
army. I am persuaded you will believe me, when I assure 
you it added to the pleasure I received from that glorious 
event, so honorable to the arms of America, and equally hu- 
miliating to British pride, and arrogance, when I was in- 
formed you had survived the dangers of the field. There is 
nothing new in this quarter, worth communicating. The 
frontiers of the state, since your departure, have suffered some 
injury; tho' perhaps less than we had reason to apprehend, 
considering their extent, and exposed situation; they are now 
in a great measure, rendered secure by the frost. The usurped 

* Lamb papers, N. Y. His. Soc. tidem. tWem. 

^ This is the second instance only, discovered in the examination of a 
voluminous correspondence, in which the omission of a letter, is denoted 
by accentuation ; a practice used even in printed books, tw^o centuries 
ago. 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 283 

government of Vermont, continues to be as troublesome, and 
insolent as ever; and what I have long suspected, " the lead- 
ers being in league with the enemy," is daily rendered more 
probable. Indeed, in my opinion, the evidence of it is as 
conclusive, as from the nature of the case, can be expected. 
I hope greater cordiality prevails at Burlington, than does 
in this department, where I am informed, some unhappy dif- 
ferences subsist, between the senior General, and next in com- 
mand, in consequence of which, the latter was lately arrested. 
Adieu, & believe me Dear Sir, 
With great regard & esteem, 
Your 
Most 
• Obed't Serv't, 

Geo. Clinton.* 
Colonel John Lamb. 

He also received a letter from his old coadjutor, and friend, 
Willett, and as every relic of that extraordinary man is valua- 
ble, it is inserted entire : 

Albany, 14 January, 1782. 
Dear Sir : 

Permit me to congratulate you on the profusion of suc- 
cesses, that have attended the arms employed throughout the 
World, in the year 1781, against the imperious Britons. 
May they become properly sensible of their true importance, 
and embrace the opportunities that the year '82 may afford 
them, of making their peace, before it becomes totally hid 
from their eyes. I think this is truly praying for my ene- 
mies, and it is doing much more than they have a right to 
expect from me; but inasmuch as peace and liberty, are the 
objects of our contention, let the haughty wretches be pre- 
served from entire destruction, if it can be done, and w^ehave 
our objects secured. 

Congress, among other things, owe me a sword. I have 
formerly wrote to my friend Goforth, to call on the Commis- 
sary General of military stores, for it; but as Major Goforth 
does not live in Philadelphia; and as I am told, you have 
taken up your quarters there; this, together with your com- 
mon connections with the Commissary-General of Military 
Stores, who is an officer in your department, induces me to 

* Lamb papers, N. Y. His. Soc. 



284 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

request you to enquire of him, whether he has procured me 
a sword, agreeable to the resolution of Congress for that pur- 
pose, in October 1777; as it appears to me, there has been 
sufficient time for the purpose. 

I flatter myself, your candor will excuse my troubling you 
with this matter. 

Mrs. Willett joins me in respects. 

With Dear Sir, Yours most sincerely, 

Marinus Willett.* 

Col. Lamb. 

The reply is as follows : 

Burlington, 12th Feb'y, 1782. 
Dear Sir : 

Your favor of the 14th ult. came to hand a few days since. 
I feel myself extremely happy, in having been in some mea- 
sure, an agent, in reducing the power and pride of Britain; 
and hope the next campaign, will put an end to the horrors 
of war; that every friend to the rights of America may soon 
enjoy the inestimable blessings of peace; and every one of 
us, " sit down under our own vine, and own fig tree, and 
none to make us afraid." 

I have made the necessary enquiry respecting your sword, 
but I fear it will be some time before you will have the plea- 
sure of wearing it; as the public Finances are not yet in a 
situation of doing justice, even to individuals. 

Present my best wishes to Mrs. Willett, and believe me, 
with great sincerity, Dear Sir, 

Your friend and Servant, 

John Lamb.I 

Col, Marinus Willett. 

The reply to Governor Clinton's letter is as follows : 

Burlington, 14th February, 1782. 
Dear sir : 

I have to acknowledge the receipt of your favors of the 
15th and 17th ultimo; the former of which did not reach my 
hands 'til yesterday. Agreeably to your request, I now en- 
close you a monthly return of the regiment under my com- 
mand, from which you will see the present state of it. I 

* Lamb papers, N. Y. His. Soc. f Idem. 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 285 

have likewise inclosed you a statement of the recruits that 
have joined the regiment since the late arrangements of the 
array. 

I have the pleasure to inform you, that altho' there are 
bickerings and heart burnings between the officers in some 
of the departments; the greatest harmony and cordiality sub- 
sists at this place. The only complaint is a want of money, 
which is a source of vexation and uneasiness to me; to whom 
the officers and men, look up, in some degree, for redress. 
But alass! it is not in my power to remove the cause of their 
complaints. The only consolation I have at present, is the 
soldiers being better clothed, than they have been at any 
time, since the commencement of the war; and that every 
exertion will be made by the state, to do justice to these 
troops, whenever they are in a situation to do it. 

I believe with your Exxellency, that the leaders in the 
state of Vermont, (as they are pleased to call it,) are in league 
with the enemy; and I wish they may carry matters so far 
as to convince Congress of the necessity of taking them in 
hand before it is too late.* I flatter myself I shall have the 
pleasure of seeing you soon, as I intend setting out for 
Poughkeepsie in a few days. 

I am, with every sentiment of the most perfect respect. 
Your Excellency's 

Obed't Serv't, 
His Excellency, John LAMB.f 

Gov. Clinton. 

A storeship had been expected from France, with clothing 
for the army, but it was taken by the enemy; and as many 
of the officers were but scantily clad, the financier, with the 
advice of the Commander-in-Chief, issued notes to the offi- 

* The allusion to the leaders of Vermont, has reference to a negocia- 
tion which had been on foot with the emissaries of the British Govern- 
ment, for the erection of a royal province out of the territories claimed 
by New York and New Hampshire, in possession of the Vermonters. 
The cession of New York of their portion of the country, was not made 
until after the adoption of the Federal Constitution; when, in 1798 Ver- 
mont agreed to pay to the state of New York, an indemnity to the claim- 
ants under her grants; and the right of soil and jurisdiction over the 
debateable land, was forever relinquished by New York. 

t Lamb papers, N. Y Hist. Soc. 



286 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

cers, redeemable in six months in specie, for two months 
pay, to enable them to provide the necessary apparel. These 
payments extended to the officers alone; and Col. Lamb, be- 
ing unwilling to receive relief for himself, while his soldiers 
were unprovided, called a meeting of his officers, and pro- 
posed to reject the proffered advance, unless it was also given 
to the men. To his- great gratification, they unanimously 
agreed with him; and a letter was sent to the Commander- 
in-Chief, declining to receive the advance, and explaining 
the ground of refusal. The following letter is the result of 
the correspondence :* 

Phila-DELphia, 15 February, 1782. 
Gentlemen : 

I was last evening fav'd with yours of the 13th, by which 
I perceive that you are not fully acquainted with the motive 
which influences the superintendant of Finance, to issue to 
the officers only, promissary notes to a certain amount, paya- 
ble in six months. 

It was expected that the arrival of a store-ship from France, 
would have put it in our power to have supplied the offi- 
cers with the necessary articles of clothing; but that ship 
has unfortunately miscarried. The financier, upon being in- 
formed of this, and knowing the distress of the greater part 
of the officers, immediately set about devising a plan by 
which he might afford relief to their wants, without involv- 
ing himself deeper in those difficulties, with which he is 
perplexed by the scantiness of the public funds. Upon in- 
quiry, he found gentlemen of this city, willing to supply a 
quantity of goods proper for the army, at their places of can- 
tonment, at a credit of six months, as low as they can be 
procured elsewhere. He therefore proposed to me the mea- 
sure which is now about to be adopted: that of giving each 
officer a note for a certain sum, payable in six months, which 
the owners of the goods will receive in payment. There is 
no obligation upon any officer to take these notes; or, when 
he has received them, to lay them out in clothing. Should 
he have supplied himself beforehand, he may keep them until 
the time of payment — he may discount them, or he may lay 
them out in any kind of stores proper for the campaign. By 

*LaiTib papers, N. Y. His. Soc. 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 287 

this, justice is done to the officer, and no injustice to the 
soldier. The public have complied with their contract, in 
furnishing the soldier with his clothing in the specific arti- 
cles. They now do the same by the officers, by advancing 
them a certain sum of money as a substitute. Should any 
uneasiness or misconceptions arise in the minds of the sol- 
diery, you, gentlemen, and the other officers now fully ac- 
quainted with the circumstances, may easily quiet them. 

I can not conclude this letter, without expressing my ap- 
probation of the laudable motives by which you were actu- 
ated, at the time of writing. It gives me pleasure to see of- 
ficers wishing to share hardships, as well as benefits, with 
their soldiers. 

I am, with great esteem, gent'n, 

Y'r most obed. and h'ble serv't. 

Go. Washington.* 

Col. Lamb and Lt.-Col. Stevens. 

The surrender of Cornwallis, was a death blow to the hopes 
of the British commander. His too tardy efforts to succor 
his beleaguered general, had been unavailing; and the arma- 
ment was remanded to New York, to pursue the same cau- 
tious system, which had characterized the preceding cam- 
paign. Nor did Sir Guy Carleton, who relieved Sir Henry 
Clinton in command, adopt a more enterprising system. The 
speech from the throne, was sufficiently belligerent; but 
measures of a pacific tendency, had been debated in Parlia- 
ment, and the new commander, in conjunction with the 
Admiral of the station, were entrusted with overtures to Con- 
gress of a pacific character. Still the war in the south was 
prosecuted with great activity; and after a succession of de- 
feats, the enemy were driven into Charleston; and Gen. 
Greene, was enabled to concentrate his forces for their final 
expulsion. 

The Commander-in-Chief apprehended that the signal 
success at Yorktown, would have the effect to relax the ac- 
tivity of Congress; and that the pacific aspect of the Parlia- 
mentary proceedings, would arrest the necessary efforts to 

* Lamb papers, N. Y. His. Soc, 



288 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

put the army in an efficient condition. He therefore remained 
in Philadelphia, bending the whole force of his influence, to 
rouse them to the necessary exertions to provide for a vigo- 
rous campaign. He did his best to stimulate the authorities 
of the States to second his view^s in that respect; but his 
success was very limited, as many of them, declared their in- 
ability to levy farther taxes from the people. The indefati- 
gable Governor of New York, responded to the call with his 
usual promptitude, and left nothing undone within the scope 
of his power, to put the quota of the State upon the best pos- 
sible footing; and Col. Lamb was now on his way to the 
seat of the State government, to procure the means of filling 
the companies of his regiment. The great influence of the 
governor was exerted with effect; and to the extraordinary 
efforts of that patriotic individual, the country is indebted 
for efficient aid to the main army, arid the checks given by 
the forces of the State, during the preceding year, to the 
marauding parties from the north and west; by which 
means, those important frontiers were guarded, without the 
necessity of weakening the force necessary to keep Ihe 
British general inactive in New York. A portion of Lamb's 
regiment was raised in Connecticut, and many of the officers 
and men were natives of that State; who, by the new ar- 
rangement of the army, were to be provided for by that 
government. New York had passed an act for the liquida- 
tion of a part of the arrears of pay for 1780 in specie; which 
afforded important relief to the soldiers of that State, to whom 
alone it was extended. Sensible of the hardships of this 
discrimination, and of the injurious effects it migh have 
upon the public service. Col. Lamb, on the 19th June, wrote 
to governor Trumbull of Connecticut, detailing the peculiar 
condition of this class of his regiment, and begged his influ- 
ence with the authorities of his State, to remedy the evil. 
The appeal was met in the same spirit of patriotism, which 
had marked the contluct of that excellent functionary, through- 
out the war. 



LIFK OF JOHN LA.MB. 289 

The artillery had been kept in readiness for marching, yet 
the Commander-in-Chief had not ordered it from Burlington. 
This was the first time that Col. Lamb had been stationed in 
pleasant quarters, while the heads of the army were rough- 
ing it in camp: and this comfortable situation endured much 
longer than was at first contemplated; for the officers of the 
regiment had the gratification of spending the national birth 
day with the whigs of New Jersey, at Trenton, by the special 
invitation of their veteran governor Livingston, which closes 
as follows : 

" I make no comparisons, because they say, they are odious; 
but you will find no vinegar faces here, on such an occasion." 

The order for marching was at length given, on the 2Sth 
Aug., and the camp was soon in motion for the Hudson. 
While at Burlington, the strictest discipline was enjoined; 
and the men were prevented from exercising the licentious 
depredations, too frequently practised by the soldiery. That 
city had not always been as well protected from military an- 
noyance; and the inhabitants were so well satisfied on the 
occasion, that a meeting of the citizens voted an address of 
thanks in the following terms: 

To the Hon'ble 

John Lamb Esquire, Colonel of the second regiment of 
artillery, and commandant of the troops lately quartered in 
the city of Burlington. 
Sir: 

The inhabitants of the city of Burlington, take this method 
to acknowledge, with the greatest pleasure, and satisfaction, 
their obligations to the commandant, and the ofi^icers of the 
second regiment, and detachment of the third regiment of ar- 
tillery; the officers of the corps of Sappers, and Miners, and 
the officers of the Artificers, quartered for several months 
past, in this place, for their assiduous attention, and care to 
the rights of the citizens, in preserving the greatest subordi- 
nation, good order, and regularity, amongst the several corps 
under their command; and the inhabitants request, sir, that 
you and the officers, would accept of their sincere acknow- 
ledgments for such care and attention, and communicate the 
same to the soldiers under your command. 

37 



290 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

If any troops hereafter shall be quartered in this city, we 
shall mention with grateful satisfaction, the worthy corps un- 
der your command, and wish only, that in their behavior, they 
may pay the same regard to the rights of the inhabitants, and 
imitate the good example, set by the troops which have just 
marched from this place, with such regularity to the east- 
ward. 

That a speedy end may be put to the war; and you sir, 
the officers and troops under your command, may again enjoy 
the blessings of domestic life, is the sincere, and fervent wish 
of the citizens of Burlington. 

Signed by desire, and in behalf 

of the Inhabitants, 
Jos. BloomfielDj Chairman.* 
Burlington, 

Aug't 28th, 1782. 

The friends of Col. Lamb confidently expected that he 
would be promoted by Congress, for the signal services he 
had rendered the country at the siege of Yorktown, as well 
as upon former occasions. He had had the command of a 
brigade, throughout the march to the head of Elk,f and so 
certain seemed his promotion, that he received many letters, 
congratulating him upon the prospect of his advancement; 
and more than one of the subalterns of his regiment, made 
application to become his aid. J He certainly, and with good 
reason, expected the commission of Brigadier; but Congress 
were niggard of their rewards, and confined their favors to 
the commander of the artillery, who was made a Major- 
General. 

Hostilities at the north had terminated, and both armies 
remained inactive within their lines, until after the prelimi- 
nary articles of peace were signed, when the American forces 
went into quarters for the winter, in the vicinity of West 
Point. There was a branch of the belligerents, however, that 
seemed little to regard the pacific attitude of the main ar- 

*The same officer who was a Major-General in the leist war with Eng- 
land. 

t Lamb papers, N. Y. His. Soc. J Idem. 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 291 

mies, and there had been a constant warfare kept up between 
partizans from the south shore of Connecticut, and the ad- 
herents of the British, on Long Island. Some most despe- 
rate battles were fought upon the sound, between whale boats 
of opposite parties, and many bloody encounters took place 
in the bays of either coast, which were well remembered 
many years after the war.* A Lieutenant of Lamb's regi- 
ment, was one of the most daring of these leaders; and the 
information which he frequently obtained, relative to the plans 
of the enemy in his expeditions, was so important that he 
was furloughed, and permitted to cruise in the sound, for 
the purpose of obtaining secret intelligence.f 

The knowledge of the overtures of the British, for an ac- 
commodation, did not interrupt this state of hostility, and even 
after the preliminary articles of peace were signed, their com- 
bats were as sanguinary as ever. Witness the following 
letter :| 

Fairfield, 12th Dec'r, 1782. 
Dear Sir : 

Your letter of 19th Oct'r last, a few days ago. Am sorry 
that my answer to yours, requesting me to get some money 
for you, has miscarried. Agreeable to your directions, I sent 
one of my men with it to Mr. Lawrence, at Danbury, who 
took charge of, and forwarded it, unfortunately by an unsafe 
hand. The business you requested me to do for you, I put 
in train, and am hopeful by the time I am able to cross the 
sound again, it will be finished; as soon as it is, I shall in- 
form you. 

Last Saturday, I had a severe action on the water, with 

* Could the traditional history of these sanguinary encounters be col- 
lected, they would afford matters for the pens of Cooper, and Hoffman, 
as fertile as any of those which they have rendered so interesting. The 
writer of this had a relative who was engaged in one of the bloodiest of 
these combats. In a twelve oared barge, on the point of landing on the 
Long Island shore, he received a volley from a party in ambuscade, which 
prostrated the whole crew, and when his boat was picked up, by a vessel 
cruizing in the sound, he, and one other, most severely wounded, were 
all that remained alive. 

tLamb papers, N. Y. His. See, t Idem. 



292 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 



Joseph Hoit; myself, and four others, were wounded; one of 
them died last night: the rest of us likely to recover. Five 
of the enemy are no more; several others wounded; the pri- 
soners are sent to West Point. 

I am with respect & esteem, 

Dear Sir, Your most Obed't Serv't, 

C. Brewster.* 
Col. Lamb. 



O^Lamb papers, N. Y. His. Soc. 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMS. 293 



CHAPTER XXIL 

Lamb on Furlough. — Confined all Winter with the Gout. — Not in Camp 
when the Newburgh Letters were produced. — Denounced the Author. 
— Order of the Cincinnati. — Opposed by Many. — Attacked by Judge 
Burke. — Lamb a Member. — City Evacuated. — Return of the Exiles. 
Lamb elected to the Assembly. — Chairman of the Committee on Com- 
merce. — Adverse to the Restoration of the Royalists. — Votes against 
them. — Chairman of Committee on regulation of Trade, and the Mili- 
tia. — Favors the establishment of a Bank. — The emission of Bills of 
Credit. — The Bill for the Disfranchising of the Tories. — Appointed 
Collector of the Customs of New York, and withdraws from the Legis- 
lature. — Tories favored by Schuyler, and Hamilton, gain Ground. — 
British. — French Parties. — Death of Anthony Lamb. — His Character. ~ 
La Fayette embarks from New York. — French Officers and Citizens 
insulted. — Complaint of the French Consul. — Action of the Legisla 
tureon motion of Col. Burr. — Weakness of the Confederacy. — Quali- 
fied Grant of the Imposts to Congress. — Deemed insufficient. — Convo- 
cation at Anapolis. — Call of the Convention. — Gov. Clinton refuses a 
special Call of the Legislature, at the request of Congress. 

Symptoms of his old complaint, compelled Col. Lamb to 
leave the cantonment, and join his family at Southington, 
where a severe fit of the gout set in, which held him prisoner 
mitil the opening of the spring.* During his absence from 
camp, the incendiary letters, which have given unenviable 
renown to an individual, even then celebrated for talents of 
a peculiar character, had well nigh set the country in a flame; 
protracted the conclusion of peace; and forever sullied the 
fame of that army, whose unexampled patience, and forti- 
tude, had established their claim to the applause of the world, 
and the gratitude of their country.f It needed all the super- 
human prudence of Washington, and the exertion of the un- 
bounded influence which his virtues, and talents had acquired, 
to quench the flame which the modern Erostratus had en- 

* Lamb papers, N. Y, His. Soc. 
t Marshall. 



294 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

kindled; and in none of the miraculous events of the war, 
had the firmness, and sagacity of the Commander-in-Chief, 
achieved a greater triumph than in crushing the hydra, that 
threatened in an evil hour, to destroy the fruits of all his for- 
mer labors* 

The tact and caution of the General, frustrated the unhal- 
lowed combination; the disaffection so suddenly inflamed, 
disappeared at once; the disappointed conspirators shrunk 
from their traitorous designs, and tranquility was restored.f 

No man of the army, more cordially partook of the indig- 
nant feelings excited by the occasion; nor rallied round the 
Commander-in-Chief with more determined zeal for his sup- 
port, than Col. Lamb.| He had ever held the talents, and 
devotion of Washington, in the highest veneration; and if 
at any time he doubted, respecting some movements of the 
army, he never questioned the motives of the Commander, 
although he may have dissented from the opinions of his 
advisers.^ 

The time was fast approaching when the oflScers of the 
army were to separate, and return to their several avoca- 
tions in civil life. To preserve their recollections of each 
other, and of the many hardships and dangers which they 
had shared together, as well as to commemorate the kind 
feelings and fellowship with our allies, which had been 
engendered by these associations, the society of Cincinnati 
was formed. The design was first openly suggested by 
Gen. Knox, and was concurred in by most of the oflicers of 
the army. 1 1 But some features in the constitution, particu- 

* Marshall. 

tLamb papers, N. Y. His. Soc. t Idem. § Idem. 

II The merit of this design may be shared, if not wholly claimed, for 
the brave and talented aid of Gen. Knox, as will appear from the follow- 
ing extract from the valuable and interesting memoir of that gentleman, 
by the Hon. Josiah Quincy. 

" Major Shaw took an active and efficient part in the formation of the 
society of the Cincinnati. He was chosen secretary of the committee o^ 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 295 

larly the right of primogeniture in succession, gave alarm to 
the more rigid of the Whigs, among whom was Judge 
iEdanus Burke, of South Carolina, w^ho attacked it with 
great vehemence, as an incipient order of nobility,* and an 
attempt to establish the pretensions of the military to rank 
above the mass of citizens. Although no man was more in- 
flexibly republican in his principles than Col. Lamb, he 
could not see in the establishment of that institution the 
dangers ascribed to it by its opposers. The tinsel of dis- 
tinction, the pomp of ribbands and orders, had no allurements 
for him; but he cherished with devotion the many associa- 
tions of his military life; and viewing the symbols as the 
shibboleth of patriotism, he readily consented to become a 
member. History has proved how groundless were the fears 
excited on the occasion; and the aspirant for favor from the 
government in modern times, if of the Cincinnati, will lock 
his ribband and medal in his cabinet, rather than produce 
them as the foundation of preferment, civil or military. 
That society answered for a while the purposes for which it 
was intended; and the legitimate possessors of the bado-es, 
even at this day, are justly proud of the evidences of the en- 
durance and patriotism of their progenitors. 

The time had arrived when the British were to evacuate 
the country,! and Col. Lamb, after an exile of eight years, 
returned, on the 25th Nov., to his native city, leaving his 
family at their residence in Connecticut. It was not long 
after the reoccupation, before the evils anticipated in Col, 
Malcom's letter of July, 1778, began to be felt. Those 
who had remained acquiescent under the British, and who 
had not by expatriation forfeited their estates, still kept 
possession of their stations, and claimed protection of the 
American authorities.! As this was granted, it emboldened 

officers of the army who formed it, and according to information derived 
from the late Col. Timothy Pickering, the original draft of its constitu- 
tion was from his pen." 

* Histories of the time. t Loudon. Holt. t Idem. 



296 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

many, who had been attainted, to return; and applications 
were made to compound for estates under sequestration, 
which had not been sold by the Commissioners of Forfeitures. 
It need not be said, that Col. Lamb was among the most 
adverse to the reinstatement of the Tory families; and in 
this he was joined by most of his cotemporaries of 1766. 
This was the first agitation which divided the state and 
drew the lines of party; which, however they may have 
since diverged, were for a long period afterwards distin- 
guishable. The first election after the peace was decisive of 
the ascendency of. the uncompromising Whigs.* John 
Lamb, Marinus WillStt, Henry Rutgers, Isaac Sears, John 
Stagg, William Malcom, Robert Harpur, Peter P. Van Zandt, 
and Hugh Hughes, were chosen members of the Assembly .f 
Most of these had been active " Sons of Liberty," and all 
sound, undeviating whig partizans. On the opening of the 
session, a committee of five was appointed to report an 
answer to the Governor's speech, and John Lansing, Jr., and 
John Lamb, were two of that committee. The authorship of 
the reply may be safely attributed to one of these, but to 
which of the two can not now be determined.| Col. Lamb 
was also upon several other committees of importance, and 
chairman of those on the regulations of trade and the militia. 
He was a member of the joint committee of both Houses to 
consider the conflicting relations between this state and 
Vermont,^ and favored the resolutions intended to quicken 
the tardy action of Congress, and to coerce that body into 
measures to quell the dangerous insurrection then existing, 
by a final settlement of the question. At this session, 
Robert R. Livingston brought forward a proposition to char- 
ter a bank;|| it was referred to a committee, of which Isaac 
Sears was chairman, who reported a bill for that purpose,1T 
which was sustained by Col. Lamb. This bill failed, but a 
banking association was formed in New York, of which 

* Appendix F. t Loudon's paper and Journals of Assembly, J Idem. 
§ Idem. II Journals of Assembly. T[ Idem. 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 297 

Alexander McDougall, then a member of the Senate, was 
the first president.* A bill was also brought in, to autho- 
rize a new emission of bills of credit, to be issued on loan. 
Although this act was identical in purpose with the one 
proposed by the Assembly of 1769, which was so ve- 
hemently denounced, it did not meet with the same reproba- 
tion from those who had taken the most active part in the 
proceedings of that period; for Col. Lambf and his coadju- 
tors supported it in the House, and McDougall, who had 
suffered so many months imprisonment for resistance to the 
project of Gov. Golden, did not hesitate to support the same 
scheme,! ^when emanating from a different functionary. 
The circumstances of the case were changed; and the power 
and patronage, denounced as dangerous in the hands of a 
royal governor, were safe, and even beneficent, under the 
control of a republican chief magistrate. On one point, 
however. Col. Lamb was intractable; and to the prayers of 
many, who had adhered to the enemy during the war, for 
permission to return, he was inflexibly opposed.^ At this 
session, a bill was passed by the Assembly, 1st May, 1784, 
by a vote of 32 to 9, " delaring certain description of per- 
sons without the protection of the laws of this state;"|| hav- 
ing for its object the continued disfranchisment of all such 
as had adhered to the British goverrmient during the war. 
This bill was amended in the Senate; the title of the act 
was altered to " An act to preserve the freedom and inde- 
pendence of this state, and for other purposes therein men- 
tioned ;"1T and a more stringent clause inserted against the 
disfranchised individuals. Against this. Gen's Schuyler and 
McDougall and William Floyd recorded their votes;** but a 
majority of the Senate sustaining it, it passed by ten to six. 
Col. Lamb was not in the Legislature at the time of the final 
passage of this law. He had received the appointment from 
the Council, of collector of the customs for the port of New 

* Loudon's paper. I Journals of Assembly. | Idem. 

i Idem. II Idem. M Idem. ** Idem. 

38 



298 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

York,* and had vacated his seat to assume the duties of his 
new station. Had he been there, he would, undoubtedly, 
have given it his support.f 

Notwithstanding the decisive action of the Legislature for 
the exclusion of the loyalists, the popular feeling against 
their restoration, was gradually relaxing. Many of the 
soundest of the whig party, with General Schuyler at the 
head, were disposed to remove their disqualifications; and 
Col. Hamilton warmly espousing their cause, exerted the in- 
fluence of his great talents and eloquence in their behalf.J 
The opposition imagined that this measure savored of an un- 
due subservience to British influences; and the exultation of 
the refugees, as their prospects of restoration brightened, 
tended much to strengthen the suspicion. The natural con- 
sequences of such belief, drew the other party to the side of 
France. And at that early period, parties assumed a posi- 
tion, which subsequent events more strongly defined; and 
which for many years, was the pivot upon which the most 
important changes of our political history have turned. § 

General Lamb, on his return to the city, had collected the 
remnant of his property; and from the avails of which, and 
with the certificates issued by the government for deprecia- 
tion of pay and for services, he purchased largely of the 
public lands; which had lapsed to the state by the attainder 
of their former owners. The first purchases proved fortu- 
nate, and they were disposed of at a great advance. Others 
equally successful were embarked in; and the revenue de- 
rived from these speculations, together with the emoluments 
of his office, enabled him to gratify his hospitality and be- 
nevolence. || 

His house was always open to the soldier of the revolu- 
tion; whatever had been the sphere in which he had served; 
and all his old companions were w^elcomed with fraternal 
kindness. He suflfered now, a severe deprivation, in the loss 

* Minutes of the Council of Appointment. t Appendix F. 

I Papers of the day. §Idem. || Family history. 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 299 

of his father, who had twice been broken up in his business, 
during the war. Once when driven from the city on the ap- 
proach of the British in 1776; and again at New Haven 
three years afterwards, at the second incursion of Tryon into 
Connecticut. This venerable old man, whose virtues had en- 
deared him to all his acquaintance, died at the age of eighty- 
one. He had the gratification of witnessing the complete suc- 
cess of the revolution, which he had ardently sustained in 
every stage of its existence.* 

The Marquis de La Fayette, who had twice crossed the 
ocean to assist us in war, again visited us. Whether his 
object was to strengthen the bonds of friendship between the 
two nations by the establishment of commercial relations, or 
once more to behold his great prototype, is not known; but 
during his stay, he was instrumental in perfecting some ne- 
gociations profitable to the American trade.f This, and the 
general facilities afforded by France to commercial inter- 
course, contrasting with the restrictive policy of Great Bri- 
tain, strengthened the growing attachment of the radical 
whigs to our former allies. General Lamb, although he had 
not at first viewed the employment of the French land forces 
with a favorable eye, became reconciled to the measure, as 
the eflSciency of the alliance disclosed itself; and in the 
course of active service, he had imbibed a warm attachment 
to many of the officers of that nation. For La Fayette par- 
ticularly, he always cherished a sincere friendship, and when 
that distinguished patriot, was preparing to reembark from 
the Ba,ttery*, on his return, on the 23d December, he, with 
Governor Clinton, and other military officers, escorted him 
to the barge, which" was to convey him to the ship, J 
. The good feelings exhibited towards our former allies, 
gave much dissatisfaction to the other party; and it was 
not long before it was openly manifested.^ A French packet 
was lying off the Battery, and several gentlemen of the city 
had befen visitors on board. As they were returning, escorted 

* Papers of the day. Family history. 

t Papers of the day. } Idem. §Idem. 



300 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

by some French officers, in a barge belonging to the vessel, 
a boat, manned from the British ships in the stream, on the 
18th April, 1785, purposely ran into her, and a skirmish en- 
sued.* Some tories on the wharf joined in the affray, and 
pelted the French party with stones, but the whigs rallied, 
and took them into custody.f This outrage was complained 
of by St. John, the French Consul, to the Legislature, at that 
time in session;! and on the motion of Colonel Burr, of the 
20th, then a member, the assembly resolved, " That it was 
a daring and premeditated insult, to the laws and govern- 
ment, of this state;" offering a reward for the arrest, and 
punishment of the offenders: and ordering the speedy trial of 
those already in custody; in which the senate concurred.§ 

The weakness of the old confederation, and its insuffi- 
ciency for the purposes of government, were becoming more 
and more apparent. In 1781, New York had granted to 
Congress, the impost duties collected within her borders sub- 
ject to the control and regulation of the confederacy. || But 
at the peace, the Legisluture repealed the law; established 
custom houses, and took the collection into the hands of the 
state.1T Repeated attempts were made to restore this -power 
to Congress, which were resisted by the Legislature.** But 
in 1786, the revenues, excepting the salaries of the collect- 
ing officers, not to exceed eight per cent, were granted; re- 
serving to the state, the appointment and control of the offi- 
cers collecting; and also providing for the receipt of the 
bills of credit of this state, in payment of the duties.f f This 
measure was unsatisfactory to Congress, and the party in 
favor of a more unlimited grant, were strenuous for an un- 
limited grant, and the federal regulation of commerce; which 
was as strenuously opposed on the other hand.|| As a-raean 
of ^ffe€ti»g4k-e-obj^rt, Coiigi'£ss passed a^resolve, recommend- 
ing a meeting of delegates from the different states, at An- 

* Papers of the day. f Idem. | Journals of Assembly. 

4 Journals of Assembly. ' 1| Idem. T[ Idem **Idem. 

ft Idem. It Journals of Congress. 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 301 

apolis, in September; and this assembly produced the call 
of the Convention at Philadelphia in May following, in order 
to revise the articles of the Confederation. 

To ensure the adoption of thes^ measures by New York, 
and to carry into effect the restoration of the loyalists, it was 
important to their advocates, that the public opinion in re- 
lation to the disputed points, should undergo a change. And 
the great talents and influence of Colonel Hamilton were 
exerted to carry this into effect. The operation of the Bank 
established under his auspices, was no slight auxiliary in 
enabling him to carry his points; and' by the powerful means 
within his control, aided by his writings and speeches, he 
produced the result which his friends desired.* A revolu- 
tion in the city was brought about; and notwithstanding the 
strongest men of the opposite party were put in nomination 
against it, the ticket, with Hamilton at the head, was elected 
by a considerable majority.! 

On the meeting of the Legislature, Richard Varrick was 
chosen speaker of the Assembly.J The Governor in his ad- 
dress to the House, explained his reasons for not convening 
them before the time of their stated meeting, in the same 
terras which he had before used in his answer to the requi- 
sition of Congress. 

On the 20th January, 1787, Messrs. Jones, Hamilton and 
Gordon, were appointed a committee to report an answer to 
the Governor's speech. Mr. Hamilton, from that body, re- 
ported to the committee of the whole house, the answer 
agreed upon.§ The speaker, Mr. Varrick, then moved an 
amendment to the first clause in the following words : After 
the words " beg leave," insert " to express our approbation 
of your Excellency's conduct, in not convening the Legisla- 
ture at an earlier period."|| Colonel Malcom moved an ad- 
ditional amendment, confirmatory of the legislative approba- 
tion of the Governor's course.U Action of course, was first 

♦Phocion's Essays. f Loudon's papers. 

J Journals of Assembly. § Idem. ||Idem. If Idem. 



302 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

had on the last amendment, which was supported by the 
speaker, but rejected. The original motion, (the amend- 
ment proposed by the speaker,) was put and carried. Colo- 
nels Varrick and Malcom voting for it; and Messrs. C. Liv- 
ing: ton, Hamilton, Bayard, Denning, Brooks, Gordon, J. 
Livingston, Sickles and Dongan, voting in the negative.* 

One of the first steps of Colonel Hamilton in the House, 
was to procure the repeal of the act disfranchising the ad- 
herents of the crown, during the war, and to secure their ad- 
mission to the full rights of citizens at future elections.f A 
measure preliminary to others in contemplation; as the in- 
crease of votes to his party by the removal of existing dis- 
qualifications, would ensure a future preponderance of his 
influence. If public opinion had undergone a change in 
many respects; in none, had a more extensive alteration 
taken place, than in regard to the continued exclusion of the 
tories. For among other powerful and influential members 
of the whig party. Gen. Malcom, who had so strongly de- 
precated the revival of aristocratic influences, and the resto- 
ration of the Royalists, in his letter of July 1778, now be- 
came a strenuous advocate for their admission, and voted with 
Hamilton, in every stage of the act of repeal. It passed in 
the House on the last of January, and the influence of Gen. 
Schuyler carried it through the Senate, on the 3d February, 
a few days afterwards.J Not the same success attended the 
effort to surrender the control of the imposts to Congress; for 
the attempt in the House, under the same auspices that had 
passed the other bill, failed.^ The next important step, was 
to obtain the assent of the Legislature to the appointment of 
delegates to the General Convention.|| This was carried, and 
on the 6th March, they were elected, two of whom, Robert 
Yates, and John Lansing, Jr., well known to be adverse to 
the political views of Hamilton, were chosen, and that gen- 
tleman himself, was elected as the third.H 

* Journals of Assembly. f Idem. J Idem. ^ Journals Senate, 
II Journals of Assembly. T[ Idem. 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 303 

There was in this Legislature, a decided majority in favor 
of preserving the rights of the states in full sovereignty, and 
for sustaining the Governor, and his party;* though not so 
large as Mr. Hammond supposes, when he considers the vote 
approving the refusal to convene the Legislature, at the desire 
of Congress, a test vote : for on that vote, Richard Varrick, 
then, and ever afterwards the friend, personal, and political, 
of Hamilton, was with the majority .f It is most likely that 
the vote of the preceding session, on expunging from the act, 
granting the imposts to Congress, the clause giving the con- 
trol, and removal of the collecting officers to that body, which 
stood in the Senate, 11 to 5, and in the House, 21 to 32, was 
the truer test.| Jt is more than probable that the majority 
might have defeated Hamilton's election as a delegate; but 
the call of the convention being " for the sole, and express 
purpose of revising the articles of the confederation," the 
dominant party thought they could safely trust the interests 
of the state, to delegates, the majority of whom were for the 
preservation of its sovereig-n powers;§ but they knew not 
the boldness, and energy of the man, whom they had joined 
to the other delegates, and little appreciated th^ extraordi- 
nary powers of a mind, which was to convince by argument, 
and overbear by eloquence, so larg-e a proportion of the peo- 
ple, and in the result, compel them to justify the exercise of 
powers usurped from them, for their especial benefit.|| 

* Journals of Assembly. fldem. t Idem. ^Idem. 



304 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 



CHAPTER XXIII. 

Influence of the Sons of Liberty declines. — McDougall secedes. — Dies.— = 
Schuyler, and Hamilton in the ascendant.— Sears on a Voyage to China^ 
— Dies at Canton. — Of the old agitators, Lamb, Hughes, and Willett, 
of the States Rights Party^ — Convention assembles in Philadelphia. — 
Debates. — Propositions which transcend the Powers of the New York 
Delegation submitted. — Favored by Hamilton. — Opposed by Yates, 
and Lansing. — They secede from the Convention. — Constitution 
adopted. — General Dissatisfaction. — Appeased by the Efforts of Hamil- 
ton, Jay, and Madison. — Organizationof the Opponents of Ratification, 
without Preliminary Amendments. — Lamb Chairman of the Commit- 
tee of Correspondence.^ — Anti-Adoptionists assume the Name of Fede* 
deral Republicans. — Letters of Patrick Henry. — Richard Henry Lee. 
— iEdanus Burke. — Rawlins Lowndes. — Samuel Chase. — Joshua 
Atherton. — George Clinton. — Reorganization of the Non-Adoptionists 
as Federal Republicans. — Propose George Clinton as the Candidate of 
the Party for Vice President, with Washington. — Amendments adopted, 
and acquiescence of the State Rights Party. 

The old association of the " Sons of Liberty" had lost its 
organized power. McDougall had in 1784, and 1785, voted 
with Schuyler, and probably at the time of his death, June, 
1786, adherred to the Hamilton party. Sears was absent on 
a voyage to China, where he died, on the 28th October, in 
the same year. Of the active revolutionary agitators, but 
few remained; of these. Lamb, Hughes, Willett, and others, 
continued firm to the Clinton party, and strenuous advocates 
for the integrity of state power;* but the time was passed 
when they could influence the popular suffrage. They had 
been beaten in the April election, of 1787, and the opera- 
tion of the act repealing the disqualifications of the Loyalists, 
had increased the power of their opponents, and placed them 
in a hopeless minority in the city.f 

* Loudon's papers. t Idem. 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 305 

The Convention assembled at Philadelphia, and carried on 
its deliberations with closed doors.* This act was enough 
to excite alarm in the minds of the State Rights men; but 
when it became known that two of the delegates from New 
York had seceded from the Convention,! because they could 
take no farther part in the discussions without exceeding the 
authority delegated to them; and that the remaining one, re- 
gardless of the limited powers entrusted to him, was disposed 
to exceed the more daring, in the formation of the new go- 
vernment, the alarm was increased-^ The people of New 
York were apprised of the points in discussion, by their se- 
ceding delegates; and also by the letter of Luther Martin,§ to 
the Legislature of Maryland, and a large majority were fully 
prepared to oppose the form of government thus forced upon 
them. 

On the adoption of the Constitution, Col. Hamilton as- 
sumed the responsibility of signing it in behalf of New^ York;|| 
although his colleagues had considered themselves driven to 
secession, by the extraordinary powers assumed by the Con- 
vention; and on its promulgation to the people, the new form 
of government so far transcended in power the former con 
federacy, and made such encroachments on the rights of the 
states, that it created the greatest ferment. H From South 
Carolina to New Hampshire, a large proportion of the peo- 
ple were resolved upon opposing its adoption;** denouncing 
it as anti-federal in its principles; as a perfect consolidation 
of power in the general government, and a total destruction 
of the state sovereignties.! f They proclaimed themselves as 
the exponents of the true federative principles, and denounced 
the defenders of the acts of the Convention, as dangerously 
monarchial in their opinions, and designs. 

On the other hand, the friends of the new system, main- 
tained that it was strictly a federal government; that they 

*Secrect debates of the Convention. tldem. J Idem. ^ Idem. 
II Constitution. ^Papers of the day. ** Idem, 

ft Idem and Lamb papers, N. Y. His. Soc. 

39 



306 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

were, in fact, the true Federal party, and so successful were 
the labors of Hamilton, assisted by Jay, and Madison;* and so 
effective were the arguments of those able writers, that they 
demonstrated the existence of the true federative principles 
in the Constitution, and the claim of its friends to be deno- 
minated the Federal party.f The opposition thus deprived 
of the original name, under which they had sought to rally, 
in many of the states, and in some parts of this state,| adopt- 
ed the party designation applied to them by their opponents, 
and consented to style themselves Anti-Federalists.§ In the 
southern part of the state, however, and particularly in the 
city, they did not so readily abandon their claim to Federal- 
ism; and the Clinton party, opposed to the restoration of the 
Royalists, and zealous advocates of State Rights, organized 
themselves for opposition to the Constitution, under the name 
of Federal Republicans.|| 

A society under that designation was formed, consisting of 
the old leaders of that party, of which Gen. Lamb was the 
Chairman, and Charles Tillinghast, his son-in-law, was Se- 
cretary, and a correspondence was opened with the leading 
men of several states of the Union, to concert measures to 
prevent the adoption of the Constitution.^ Of these, were 
Judge Burke, and Rawlins Lowndes, of South Carolina; Tim- 
othy Bloodworth, of North Carolina;!! Patrick Henry, Rich- 
ard Henry Lee, George Mason, and William Grayson, of 
Virginia;** Samuel Chase, of Maryland ;ff and Joshua Ather- 
ton, of New Hampshire.tJ All these entered very zealously 
into the scheme, and concurred in representing the great body 
of the people of their respective states, as being determinedly 
hostile to the adoption of the Constitution. The letters of 
some of these gentlemen are as follows : 

* The Federalist. t Idem. 

I Papers at Albany and in the middle district. 

§Lamb papers, N. Y. His. Soc. 1| Idem. \\ Idem. ** Idem, 
ft Idem. tJldem, 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 307 

Richmond, June 9, 1788. 
Sir: 

I was honored by the rec't of your favor by the hands of 
Col. Oswald, accompanying three pamphlets, for which, and 
for the communication resulting from a view of the whole 
subject matter, I give you, sir, my sincere thanks. It is mat- 
ter of great consolation, to find that the sentiments of a vast 
majority of Virginians, are in unison with those of our 
northern Iriends. I am satisfied four-fifths of our inhabitants 
are opposed to the new scheme of government. Indeed, in 
the part of this country, lying south of James River, I am 
confident, nine-tenths are opposed to it. And yet, strange as 
it may seem, the numbers in convention appear equal on 
both sides: so that the majority, which way soever it goes, 
will be small. The friends and seekers of power, have, with 
their usual subtility, wriggled themselves into the choice of 
the people, by assuming shapes as various as the faces of the 
men they address on such occasions. 

If they shall carry their point, and preclude previous 
amendments, which we have ready to offer, it will become 
highly necessary to form the society you mention. Indeed 
it appears the only chance for securing a remnant of those 
invaluable rights which are yielded by the new plan. Col. 
George Mason has agreed to act as chairman of our repub- 
lican society. His character I need not describe. He is 
everyway fit; and we have concluded to send you by Col. Os- 
wald a copy of the Bill of Rights, and of the particular 
amendments we intend to propose in our convention. The 
fate of them is altogether uncertain, but of that, you will be 
informed. To assimilate our views on this great subject, is 
of the last moment; and our opponents expect much from 
our dissension: as we see the danger, I think it is easily 
avoided. 

I can assure you, that North Carolina is more decidedly 
opposed to the new government than Virginia. The people 
there seem rife for hazarding all, before they submit. Per- 
haps the organization of our system, may be so contrived as 
to include lesser associations dispersed throughout the State. 
This will remedy in some degree, the inconvenience arising 
from our dispersed situation. Col. Oswald's short stay here, 
prevents my saying as much on the subject as I could other- 
wise have done. And after assuring you of my ardent wishes 
for the happiness of our common country, and the best inter- 



(^ 



308 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

ests of humanity, I beg leave to subscribe myself with great 
respect and regard, ' 

Sir, your ob't h'ble serv., 

P. Henry.* 

To General John Lamb. 

Charleston, 21st June, 1788. 
Sir: 

I have been honored with your favors of the 19th May last, 
received a few days ago, enclosijig several papers relative to 
the new Constitution: also two packets, the one for Mr. Jus- 
tice Burke, which I have delivered with mine own hands: 
the other for General Sumpter, which I have conveyed by 
a safe opportunity, as he resides at a considerable distance 
from Charleston. 

You will have known, sir, before this time, that our Con- 
vention have finally ratified and confirmed the new Federal 
Constitution. It was done on the 24th May last, contenting 
itself with a few recommendatory amendments. 

Had your plan been proposed in time, I doubt not it might 
have produced very good effect in this country. A strong 
systematic opposition, wherein the opinions and sentiments 
of the different States were concentrated, and directed to the 
same specific objects, would have had a weight, which the ad- 
vocates for the Constitution must have submitted to; and have 
removed the force of an objection, strongly insisted upon, 
arising from the diversity and dissimilarity of the several 
amendments contended for. 

I had not the honor to be of our Convention. An open 
and explicit avowal of my sentiments in the Assembly, when 
the subject was agitated there, which were irreconcilable to 
the Constitution, as well in mode as substance, did not meet 
with the concurrence and approbation of my constitutents in 
Charleston, and I was, therefore, rejected in their choice of 
delegates for the Convention. 

I am, with great Respect and Regard, 
Sir, 
Your Most Obed't. hum'l Serv't, 
John Lamb, Esq., Raw's LowNDEs.f 

Chairman Com'ee., New York. 

* Lamb papers, N. Y. His. Soc. f Idem. 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 309 

Chantilly in ViKGiNiA, June 27, ]788. 
Sir: 

It is but this day I received the letter that you did me the 
honor to write to me on the 18th of May last. Repeated 
•experience having shown me that I could not be at Rich- 
mond and be in health, prevented me from attempting to be 
a member of our State Convention; but I have omitted no 
occasion of enforcing, to the utmost of my power, the pro- 
priety of so stating amendments as to secure their adoption, 
as you will see by the letter I wrote to the president of our 
Convention, a copy of which I have the honor to enclose to 
you. I lament that your letter did not reach me sooner, be- 
cause 1 think your plan of correspondence would have pro- 
duced salutary consequences; as it seems to have been the 
idea of our Assembly when they sent the proposed plan to a 
convention. Every attempt has failed, either to get pre- 
vious amendments or effectually to secure the obtaining them 
hereafter. Yet you will see, sir, that the ratifying majority 
feel the propriety of amendments; altho', in my judgment, 
the mode they have pursued, for obtaining them, is neither 
wise or manly. But if nothing better can be obtained in 
the states that have not yet ratified, even this mode of ex- 
pressing the sense of the approving states may operate to 
the obtaining amendments hereafter, as well as to prevent, 
in the exercise of power, such abuses as would, in all proba- 
bility, take place. 

It will be considered, I believe, as a most extraordinary 
epoch in the history of mankind, that in a few years there 
should be so essential a change in the minds of men. 'Tis 
really astonishing that the same people, who have just 
emerged from a long and cruel war in defence of liberty, 
should now agree to fix an elective despotism upon them- 
selves and their posterity ! It is true, indeed, for the honor 
of human nature, that there has not been a general acquies- 
cence. In respectable states, there have been formidable mi- 
norities. In this, a majority of ten only, out of near two 
hundred members, neither demonstrates that a majority of 
the people approve the plan; nor does it augur well for the 
prosperity of the new government, unless the wisdom and 
goodness, of those who first act under this system, shall lead 
them to take effectual measures for introducing the requisite 
amendments. And this I hope, for the honor and safety of 
the U. States, will be obtained by the mediation of wise and 
benevolent men. 



310 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

Accept ray thanks, sir, for the enclosures in your letter, 
which I shall read with great pleasure. 

I have the honor to be, sir. 
Your most obedient and very humble servant. 
Gen, John Lamb, Richard Henry Lee.* 

New York. 

Baltimore, 13th June, 1788. 
Dear Sir : 

I returned from attending our General Court yesterday af- 
ternoon, and your letter, with one from the Federal Repub- 
licans, and several enclosures, were delivered only a few 
minutes ago. I will have the publications reprinted. I 
was always averse from the adoption of the proposed Con- 
stitution, unless certain amendments, to declare and secure 
the great and essential rights of the people, could be pre- 
viously obtained; because I thought, if they could not be 
procured before the ratification, they, very probably, could 
not be obtained afterwards; and the conduct of the advocates 
of the government confirm my opinion. I am convinced 
that the principal characters who support the government, 
will not agree to any amendments. A declaration of rights 
alone will be of no essential service. Some of the powers 
must be abridged, or public liberty will be endangered, and, 
in time, destroyed. 

I have no hopes that any attempts will be made to obtain 
previous alterations, and I fear any attempt, after ratifica- 
tion, will be without effect. I consider the Constitution as 
radically defective in this essential; the bulk of the people 
can have nothing to say to it. The government is not a 
government of the people. It is not a government of 
representation. The people do not choose the House of 
Representatives. A right of election is declared, but it can 
not be exercised. It is a useless, nugatory right. By no 
mode of choice, by the people at large, or in districts, can 
they choose representatives. The right is immediate and 
given to all the people, but it is impracticable to be exercised 
by them. 

I believe a very great majority of the people of this state 
are in favor of amendments, but they are depressed and in- 
active. They have lost all their former spirit and seem ready 
to submit to any master. Governor Smallwood, Mr. Mercer, 
Mr. J, T. Chase, our Attorney-General, and a few more, are 

*Lamb papers, N. Y. His. Soc. 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 311 

decided against the government. An attempt will be made 
to elect none but Federalists, as they falsely call themselves, 
to our house of delegates, A violent opposition will be 
made to them in this town ; and is already begun on the 
avowed principle. I am called on for this, 

I beg to be remembered to all the Federal Republicans 
with you. I will instantly communicate to Governor Small- 
wood. / 

I remain, dear sir, 
With respect and esteem. 

Your obed't serv't, 

Sam. Chase.* 
Gen. John Lamb, 
New York. 

Richmond, June 9th, 1788. 
Dear Sir : 

I received your letter by Col. Osw^ald, and the same eve- 
ning, laid it before the Committee of Opposition ; they had 
directed their Chairman to answer it by Col. Oswald. Some 
of our proposed amendments are finished in the Committee; 
the others will be forwarded as soon as agreed on. 

I am sorry to observe to you, that our affairs in the Con- 
vention, are suspended by a hair; I really cannot tell you on 
which side the scale will turn; the difference, I am satisfied 
on the main question, will be exxeedingly small indeed. The 
Governor has declared in favor of the Constitution, without 
amendments before adoption. This, however, has not in- 
jured us; neither has the news of the ratification of South 
Carolina. The opposition upon the whole, is firm and united; 
there are seven or eight dubious characters, whose opinions 
are not known, and on whose decisions, the fate of this im- 
portant question will ultimately depend : should all of them 
be on the other side, it will make a majority of four or five 
against us. 

You will be pleased to consider this, in the light of a pri- 
vate letter; at all events, so far as to prevent my being 
quoted in the public newspapers. I will do myself the plea- 
sure of giving you the earliest notice of the final decision of 
this Assembly. Should we be strong enough to command the 
question, I think it will be highly expedient for the Conven- 

* Lamb papers, N Y. His. Soc. 



312 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

tion to open a correspondence with yours; these however, 
are my sentiments; not knowing how others will think on 
the occasion. ^' 

I remain with great respect, 

Yom- Most Obed't Serv't, 

Will'm Grayson.* 
To the Hon'ble 
Brig.-Gen'l Lamb, 

New York. 

Amherst, June 11, 1788. 
Gentlemen : 

I have the honor to recognize the reception of your very 
great favor, which came to hand yesterday. Long anxiously 
desirous of the communication proposed, I shall leave noth- 
ing unattempted in my power, to effect a unanimity of sen- 
timent with respect to amendments. I cannot persuade my- 
self however, that the method adopted by the Convention of 
Massachusetts, is by any means eligible : to ratify, and then 
propose amendments, is to surrender our all, and then to ask 
our new masters, if they will be so gracious as to return to 
us some, or any part of our most important rights and privi- 
leges. Can this be the part of wisdom or good policy? I 
have the honor. Gentlemen, perfectly to coincide with you 
in sentiment, that the amendments should be procured, pre- 
vious tc the adoption of the new system, and all local ad- 
vantages, rejected as unworthy the attention of those, who 
are contending for the general liberty. 

There has hitherto been a fair majority in the Convention 
of New Hampshire, as far as their sentiments could be col- 
lected (for the decisive question has not been put) against 
ratifying the proposed Constitution in its present form; this 
the candid consolidarians confess; but I need not inform you, 
how many arts are made use of to increase their party. The 
presses are in a great measure, secured to their side; inevi- 
table ruin is held up, on non-compliance; while the new 
system is fraught with every species of happiness. The op- 
ponents are enemies to their country, and they often make 
them say what they never thought. 

In the Exeter Advertiser, (New Hampshire), they had the 
disingenuity to say, that " Mr. Atherton, seemed to give up 
the idea of all cases between citizens of different states, ori- 

*Lamb papers, N. Y. His. Soc. 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. " 313 

ginating in the federal courts, &c., &c." Nothing can be 
the more reverse of truth than this assertion. Their views 
arc obvious; but I will not trouble you with particulars. I 
flatter myself some future publications will brush off the mask 
of falsehood. Permit me to hope you will lead the way, and 
delineate the method of a correspondence between the states, 
who have not yet resigned their lives, liberties, and proper- 
ties, into the hands of this new and unlimited sovereignty. 
Your central situation, and your great importance as a state, 
gives us a right to expect it of you: While nothing shall 
be wanting here, to second such a desirable event; nor in- 
deed shall any part of your public spirited, and benevolent 
proposals, want the attention they so highly merit. 

No amendments being yet fixed on here, or even attempted, 
that subject must be left for future consideration. Could our 
convention receive your resolution not to adopt vi^ithout the 
necessary amendments, before they have proceeded too far, 
together with your amendments; I have not the least doubt 
but a great majority would immediately close with your 
views and wishes. The Convention of this state, sits next 
Wednesday at Concord, by adjournment : on the conclusion 
of which session, I will cause to be transmitted to the Anti- 
Federal Committee of the county of Albany, the result of 
our deliberations, who will be good enough to forward them 
to you. The subject of amendments shall not be forgot. 

June 14th. — I yesterday received the supplement to the 
Albany Journal, of the tenth instant, by which it appears 
you will have a majority of two to one, at least, against 
adoption. I congratulate you on so fortunate an event, and 
have the highest confidence that the power and opportunity, 
thus put into your hands to save our devoted country from 
impending ruin, will be exercised with firmness, integrity, 
and wisdom. 

I am. Gentlemen, wnth great esteem and respect, 
Your most humble & most ob't serv't, 

.Joshua Atherton.* 

John Lamb, Esq., 

Chairman of the Federal Republican Committee. 

The best arguments against the adoption of the Constitu- 
tion, were put forward by this association, to induce an ac- 
quiescence with their views, f But public opinion was 

* Lamb papers, N. Y. His. Soc. t Papers of the day. 

40 



314 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

forestalled. The overwhelming efforts of its friends, and the 
masterly productions which emanated from the pens of the 
triumviri, who stood forth as the champions of adoption, 
compelled its adversaries to change their ground.* The 
Conventions of several states had approved the Constitution; 
South Carolina among the first ;f and upon the meeting of 
that of Virginia, the parties were found so nearly balanced, 
that the idea of rejection was abandoned, and the views of 
the opposition were confined to acceptance, with preliminary 
amendments, and a declaratory bill of rights.J 

At the election for members of the Legislature in the city 
of New York, for 1787, the Hamilton ticket was chosen, by 
a very large majority. § The prospect of this had become so 
evident, that Col. Burr, whose name had been put forth as 
one of the candidates of the opposition, (and also for dele- 
gate to the Convention, should the Legislature decide upon 
calling one), withdrew his name from the canvass.|| A very 
close vote determined the question of the Convention;!! and 
at the election for delegates, the array of the Clinton party 
were put in nomination. Gov. Clinton headed the ticket, 
and among others, John Lamb, Marinus Willet, and Me- 
lancthon Smith, were nominated with him.** But as the elec- 
tion approached, the certainty of defeat become so apparent, 
that the friends of Gov. Clinton, in Ulster, placed him in no- 
mination from that county, while to secure the able services 
of Mr. Smith, he was nominated, and elected in Dutchess.ff 

As was anticipated, a most triumphant majority carried 
Hamilton, and his powerful, and talented colleagues, John Jay 
and others, as representatives from this city;|| still, upon the 
assembling of the Convention at Poughkeepsie, the Anti-Fede- 
ralists, for they had been compelled to acknowledge that name 

*The Federalist. t Lamb papers, N. Y. His. Soc. J Idem. 

^ Loudon's paper. || Idem. 

1 Assembly journals 

** Papers of the day, tt Idem. tt Idem. 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 315 

there, had a large majority;* and sanguine of support from 
New Hampshire, and Virginia, they commenced their deliber- 
ations. The following letter from Gov. Clinton, will exhibit, 
with what hopes, and expectations : 

PouGHKEEPSiE, 21 Junc, 1788. 
Dear Sir : 

The communications from Virginia, which you transmitted 
by Capt. Tillinghast, have been communicated to a Commit- 
tee of the gentlemen opposed to the adoption of the new 
Constitution, without previous amendments; who have re- 
quested me to present their thanks to you for your unwearied 
attention to our common cause, for which, you will also be 
pleased to accept of mine. It gives me and them sensible 
pleasure to learn, that the friends to the liberties of our coun- 
try to the southward, are equally anxious, with those who 
are not ashamed of that unfashionable name here. 

The friends to the rights of mankind, outnumber the advo- 
cates of despotism, nearly two to one. Yesterday, the debates 
began on the third clause, respecting representation. The 
most that has been said by the new government men, has 
been a second edition of Publiiis, well delivered. One of the 
New York Delegates, has in substance, tho' not explicitly, 
thrown off the mask. His arguments, tending to show the 
necessity of a consolidated, continental, to the exclusion of 
any state government. This, however, he has recalled to- 
day, finding it would do their cause injury. The republican 
members of the Convention have appointed a special Com- 
mittee of Correspondence, with the neighboring Conventions, 
&c., of which the Honorable Judge Yates, is Chairman. 

You will receive enclosed, and left open for your perusal, 
a letter from the Committee, to Col. Mason, Chairman of 
the Virginia Committee, which is entrusted to your forward- 
ing, with whatever communications you, and our other 
friends in New York, may think proper to make to that quar- 
ter, by such safe, and expeditious mode of conveyance, as 
you may think expedient. The letter to Col. Mason, you will 
observe, is put under cover to Mr. George Fleming, merchant 
in Richmond, as advised in Mr. Mason's letter. 

The Committee have desired me to offer you their thanks, 
for your care, and attention, in forwarding the information 



*Lamb papers, N, Y. His. Soc. 



316 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

from Virginia, and request a continuance of the favor, when 
any thing new, and important reaches you. } 

With best respects to Mrs. Lamb, and your good family, 
I am, Dr Sir, 

Your Most Obed't Servant, 

Geo. Clinton.* 
Hon'ble John Lamb, 
New York. 

The reliance of the opposition upon New Hampshire, proved 
fallacious; but the knowledge of the ratification by that state, 
reaching the Convention, it produced but little effect, f 
Equally groundless were their expectations from Virginia, 
and the failure of their hopes from that quarter, was more 
sensibly felt; still they were resolute in contending for pre- 
liminary amendments,! as will appear by the following letter: 

PouGHKEEPSiE, 12th July, 1788. 
D'r Sir : 

The business of the convention is now wound up to a crisis. 
3 different species of amendments were proposed yesterday 
by Mr. Lansing: they were the result of" a spirit of amity 
and mutual concession," even in the party that brought them 
forward. Some of the members were for making the ratifi- 
cation of certain amend'ts absolute conditions of adoption. 
However, several considerations induced the mode I am now 
going to describe. 

The amendments are : 1, explanatory; 2, conditional; 3, 
recommendatory. 

The first contain a bill of rights, and an explication of 
some important parts of the Constitution, which were either 
equivocal, or too latitudinal. For instance, the clause pro- 
hibiting the passing of expost facto laws, is thus explained, 
or rather restrained — provided that this clause shall not be 
so construed as to screen public defaulters. The conditional, 
prohibit the operation of the Constitution in this State as to 
direct taxation, without making a previous requisition. 
(Vide Mass. amend'ts.) As to the regulation of elections, 
unless in cases of neglect, inability, or refusal, &c., until a new 
general convention is called. The recommendatory are nu- 

*Lamb papers, N. Y, His. Soc. tldem, and Loudon's paper. 

J Debates in Convention, Loudon's paper. • • 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 317 

raerous and important. This proposal was altercated yesterday 
by Jay, the Chancellor, and Judge Morris; and defended by 
Smith, the Governor, and Lansing. The first insist, that 
Congress can never receive us into the Union in this manner. 
I have no doubt, how^ever, but what they will; and then our 
Represent's in Congress, can be of service in calling another 
convention. 

I expect the convention will break up in a few days. The 
proposal I mentioned, is the ne plus ultra of anti concession. 
Many indeed think they had conceded too much. If the fed's 
had been friendly, instead of being inimical to the proposal, 
I have my doubts whether a majority of anli's would not 
have voted against it. But the opposition of their political 
adversaries has reconciled them. 

I received your letter. I thank you for it. My compli- 
ments to the General and his family. 

I am, with the greatest esteem, 

Your most obed. serv't, 

MaJ. ChAS. TiLLlNGHAST. De WlTT ClINTON.* 

p. S. M. Smith made a very long and masterly speech in 
favor of the proposal this day : he was followed by Mr. Lansing. 
Mr. Hamilton spoke against it in strong terms. I have been 
informed that the quarrel between the anti's and fed's at Al- 
bany has not entirely subsided: that the latter persevere in 
firing 10 cannon, and that the country people are much en- 
raged at it. 

My best respects to Mr. Hughes. I will wTite again as 
soon as possible. I have no fear that the anti's will [not] 
keep together now. They have not long ago been in a situa- 
tion that I will not mention until I see you. I have seen 
some extracts of letters, and other statements in some of the 
New York fed'l papers that are not true. To use an expres- 
sion of Hume, a man of sense will lend a very academic 
faith to them, and others similar. 

Melancthon Smith from the south, and the late Chancellor 
Lansing from the north, together with Gov. Clinton, were 
the champions of the majority, and debated the ground step 
by step, in opposition to the great orators of the opposite 
party; whose matchless efforts in argument, and persuasive 
influence over the members in private, began to gain many 

* Tillinghast papers, N. Y. His. Soc. 



318 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

to their support.* Yet it appeared that they were without 
hope of carrying the desired vote; and a motion was made 
16th July, by them, to adjourn the convention to the 2d Sep- 
tember.! This was defeated by a very decisive majority, 
and action was forced upon the proposition of Mr. Smith, 
amended by Mr. Lansing, for preliminary amendments-! 

At the debate on this motion, the overpowering eloquence 
of Col. Hamilton was exerted to its utmost pitch, and shook 
the most resolved of the majority.^ Even the mover of the 
propositions was convinced, notwithstanding the inflexibility 
which he had hitherto maintained; and in expressing his 
conviction, he withdrew his propositions.]] These were im- 
mediately renewed by Mr. Lansing, and the next day, the 
23d, on the final question, Mr. Smith voted against the reso- 
lutions which he had himself offered.!! Still unwilling to 
yield, Mr. Lansing, from the opposition, proposed to accept 
the Constitution on condition of future amendments.** This 
was altered at the suggestion of Samuel Jones, his quondam 
coadjutor, into an expression of "full confidence" that such 
amendments would be made,ff and the Constitution was 
adopted by a majority of three voices.JJ 

The extraordinary propositions put forth by the most ultra 
of the consolidationists, had excited the alarm and jealousy 
of the state-rights republicans; and although the constitu- 
tion, as adopted, contained powers deemed dangerous, no 
American, at this day, can doubt the wisdom and patriotism 
of the majority of the convention of 1787; nor fail to con- 
gratulate himself that even the errors committed by them 
were of a salutary tendency. Many honestly believed the 
scheme of a federative republic to be visionary and hopeless. 
The perfect consolidationists approached as near to their 
plan of an energetic government as the nature of the case 
would admit of; and by grasping at more power than strict- 
ly belonged to a confederation, they aroused the apprehen- 

* Loudon's paper and Greenleafs paper, t Idem, J Idem. $ Idem. 
y Idem. t Idem. ** Idem. ft Idem. U Idem. 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 319 

sions of the great body of the people, and arrayed against 
their system some of the most patriotic and talented men of 
the nation. It is fortunate that the constitution, as formed, 
contained more than was necessary for the establishment of 
a stable government: for it is easier to concede to the people 
than to induce them to yield a portion of their power. Had 
the state rights party succeeded, their system would, pro- 
bably, have been found too feeble for the general prosperity 
and safety of the republic; to remedy this, by imparting 
more strength to the national arm, would not have been 
practicable; and intestine quarrels, and local jealousies, 
would have produced a dismemberment of the Union. 

The majority of the Convention and their friends, in the 
flush of victory, were compelled, by the formidable array 
against them, to pause, and to surrender a portion of their 
power; while all that was asked by the opposition was not 
granted. Mutual concessions became necessary, and the 
consequent compromises, resulted in the formation of the 
great desideratum sought for: an efficient and well balanced 
Constitution 

As much was done towards achieving this great end, by 
the exorbitant claims of the consolidationists, as by the stern 
resistance of the leaders of the opposite party. Without 
New York, the confederacy would have been feeble and in- 
efficient; and the adhesion of this state to the new govern- 
ment was of vital importance. This was effected by the 
decision of a single individual. But for the daring energy 
of that delegate, who assumed the responsibility of exercising 
powers denied by his more prudent colleagues, and which a 
vast majority of his constituents utterly repudiated, we might 
never have obtained the great blessing of a powerful, yet free 
government. And had it not been for the efforts of the 
great patriots of the Union, and the firmness of their deter- 
mination to counterpoise the preponderance of the national 
power, a system might have been fastened upon us, which 



320 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

could not have been shaken off, but by a sanguinary revo- 
lution. 

The triumph of the constitutionalists was complete. The 
opposition addressed a circular letter to the states, explana- 
tory of the reasons which had influenced them to yield to 
the adoption;* and the Convention issued another,! recom- 
mending a general convocation to devise the requisite 
amendments, and engraft a bill of rights upon the new com- 
pact. To carry this scheme into effect, the association in the 
city and the vicinity, who had so strenously battled for pre- 
vious amendments, again organized, still under the designa- 
tion of " Federal Republicans." J And these are the pro- 
ceedings of the meeting : 

" The following gentlemen, viz : 

Marinus Willett, Solomon Townsend, 

Melancthon Smith, Nathaniel Lawrence, 

David Gelston, James M. Hughes, 

John Lamb, Samuel Jones, 

Ezekiel Robins, Charles Tillinghast, 

Having met at Fraunce's Tavern, on Tuesday evening, Oct. 
30, 1788, after some deliberation, determined to form them- 
selves into a society for the purpose of procuring a general 
convention, agreeable to the circular letter of the late Con- 
vention of this state; and thereupon elected Col. "Willett to 
be their chairman, and Charles Tillinghast secretary. 

" On motion of Mr. Smith, and seconded by Gen. Lamb, 
it was determined that a committee of three be appointed to 
open a correspondence with certain persons in the several 
states, (as well as counties within this state,) for the purpose 
of explaining the reasons which induced the adoption of the 
Constitution of the United States, by the late Convention of 
this state, and requesting their assistance to procure the re- 
quisite amendments, by having a General Convention called 

• Tillinghast papers, N. Y. His. Soc. f Idem. J Idem. 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 321 

immediately, or as soon as possible, after the organization of 
the new government. 

" The committee appointed, were Melancthon Smith, 
Esq., Gen. Lamb, and Jas. M. Hughes, Esq., who are to 
draught the requisite letters, and report the same as early as 
possible. 

" It was. determined that a meeting of the society should 

be again held on Tuesday evening, Nov. 4, at six o'clock, 

and at the same place. 

Chas. Tillinghast, Sec'y* 

" At a meeting of the society, agreeable to adjournment, 
the following gentlemen attended at Fraunce's Tavern, Nov. 
4, viz : 

John Lamb, DAvm Gelston, 

Melancthon Smith, Chas. Tillinghast, 

James M. Hughes. 
" The chairman of the society being absent. Gen. Lamb 
was called to the chair for this meeting. 

" The committee, who were appointed to draught letters 
to the several states, and counties within this state, produced 
draughts thereof, which having been read by paragraphs, and 
amended, are as follows, viz: 

To the counties within this State: 

New York, November 4, 1788.t 
Gentlemen : 

The circumstances and situation of things both before, and 
some time after our convention had met, warranted an uni- 
versal opinion among all Federal Republicans, that it w-as 
proper to adopt the new constitution only on condition 
that those important alterations which were considered neces- 
sary to the protection of political and civil liberty, should be 
made: and this was founded not only on the defects of the 
Constitution, but on the anticipation that there would have 
been a majority in several of the State conventions of the 
same sentiments with our own; from whom we should have 
derived support. But in pursuing our opposition in this 
form, the sentiments and opinions of many in our Convention 

t Tillinghast papers, N, Y. His. Soc. f Idem. 

41 



322 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

were changed; not, as we have reason to believe as to the 
principles of opposition, but as to the expediency of adopting 
under an alteration of circumstances, so that this State shall 
continue in the Union. At the same time, giving such con- 
structions to some of its articles, and relying on the sentiments 
of a majority in the United States, with respect to an opinion 
of its defects, that the government would be restrained in 
the exercise of its most offensive and dangerous powers, un- 
til a new convention should have an opportunity of reconsider- 
ing and revising it, before it should have its full operation. 

This alteration of sentiment with respect to a conditional 
adoption, and the mode of adopting it in its present manner, 
it is to be presumed, was caused by the reception of it by 
nine States successively; by which the government was ca- 
pable to be put in operation; and likewise [by] the imme- 
diate and subsequent adoption of it by Virginia, perhaps one 
of the most influential and important States in the Union. 
The confidence of those who were of these sentiments was ex- 
cited, because many of the most important States, had ac- 
knowledged it by small majorities; and almost all, in such 
a way as was expressive of its defects: and hence they con- 
sidered amendments as certain; subsequent as precedent. 

Thus unsupported by any of the States in the prospect of 
a conditional adoption, and for these reasons, it became a 
political calculation with them, whether it was not most for 
the interests of this State, under all circumstances, to con- 
tinue in the Union, and trust, for the reasons aforesaid, for 
amendments. Unhappily, this occasioned a diversity of 
opinion among our friends in the convention, who were for 
a conditional adoption only. Hou^ever, the question, as you 
well know, was at last .carried in the way it now stands. 
Altho' a division took place, both within and without the 
convention on this point, and for these reasons, yet we hope 
that a confidence remains on the minds of all, that each was 
governed by the principles of rectitude; and that the efforts 
and exertions of each other collectively, as well as individu- 
ally, will be considered a duty in future; and made use of to 
obtain the great objects we have all had, and still have in 
view, to wit: the requisite amendments; by having a gene- 
ral convention called immediately, or as soon as possible 
after the organization of the new government. 

With this design, we conceive it will be very necessary 
to advert to the ensuing election of members to represent 
this State in the assembly of the general government; and 



ii 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 323 

to endeavor to elect such characters as are in sentiment with 
us on the subject of amendments. Nor is the mode of elec- 
tion a matter of small importance, when it is considered that 
one mode may throw tiie balance in the hands of the advo- 
cates of an arbitrary government, while another may be favor- 
able to equal liberty. The activity and duplicity of the prin- 
cipal of those who have contended for unequivocal adoption, 
and uncontrouled exercise of the new Constitution, notwith- 
standing their promises to assist in procuring a convention 
for the purposes already mentioned, have given us just causes 
of suspicion, that those promises were made with a view to 
deceive. 

To facilitate a communication of sentiment and free dis- 
cussion on this subject, with you and our friends in the other 
counties, and thereby further the great objects of our pursuit, 
and oppose with success the subtle practices of the adversa- 
ries of constitutional liberty, we have formed ourselves into 
a society for the purpose of procuring a general convention, 
agreeable to the circular letter of the late convention of this 
Sate; and we beg leave to recommend to your consideration 
the propriety of your joining together without delay for the 
like design. 

We have only to add, that whatever diversity of sentiment 
may have taken place among the friends of equal liberty in 
our late convention, we are fully persuaded that they will 
unite their utmost exertions in the only mode which is now 
left. And should the present opportunity which is offered 
at the organization of the government, not be properly im- 
proved, it is highly probable such a favorable one will not 
be again presented; and the liberties of the people will then 
depend on the arbitrary decrees of their rulers. 

In behalf of the Society, &c. 

To Republican Committee of Ulster county.* 

To the several States : 

New York, Nov. 4, 1788. 
Previous to the adoption of the new constitution, a com- 
mittee was formed in this place, of those who disapproved 
of it without essential amendments, to open a correspondence 
with those of the sister States, who concurred with them in 
sentiment; to invite "them to open a communication with us 
and concert an union of measures. From the characters 
of a large majority of those who composed our convention, we 

* Tillinghast papers, N. Y. His. Soc. 



324 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

had reason to expect, they would not have adopted the con- 
stitution without stipulating for such previous amendments: 
and of this we advised our friends. Their proceedings, contain- 
ing the amendments proposed, which we do ourselves the honor 
to inclose you, will justify this sentiment. A small majority, 
however, was found who were induced from ideas of political 
expediency, to assent to a qualified adoption, in such manner 
as would admit this State into a participation of the govern- 
ment. It is not necessary to detail the reasons at large; nor 
whether they were well grounded, that influenced this mea- 
sure. They may be briefly comprized in the following: 

A suflScient number of states had acceded to the govern- 
ment, to authorize its going into operation; this being the 
case, it seems it was apprehended that the states who had 
adopted could not easily be prevailed upon to concur in any 
other mode to effect the requisite alterations, but the one 
pointed out in the Constitution itself. That if this state re- 
mained out of the Union, they might lose the opportunity 
of employing their influence in bringing them about. And 
from the dissatisfaction manifested by many of the states to 
the system as it stands; and from the spirit of accommoda- 
tion, which it was hoped would prevail among those who 
approved of it; they were induced to believe that a general 
agreement would take place to call another Convention to 
consider, and recommend amendments to the objectionable 
parts. Though these and similar reasons, we believe in- 
fluenced a majority to accede to the system, with certain 
declarations and explanations; yet even this, could not be 
obtained without an express declaration of their disapproba- 
tion of it; and agreeing to a circular letter, inviting the 
other states, to unite with ours in requiring a convention. 
In this both parties concurred unanimously. 

We can with confidence assure you, that the opposition 
to the Constitution without amendments, has not decreased; 
but on the contrary, many of those who were zealous lor its 
adoption, declare they will unite their efforts in endeavoring 
to have it reconsidered. But we have reason at the same 
time, to believe many of its most ardent advocates will use 
their influence and address, to prevent this. It is there- 
fore the more necessary that the friends of equal republican 
government, should firmly unite in pursuing such measures, 
as will have a tendency to effect amendments. For this pur- 
pose, a number of gentlemen in this city, influenced by a 
sincere regard for constitutional liberty and the public good, 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. '325 

have associated under the name of a society for the purpose 
of procuring a General Convention, agreeable to the circu- 
lar letter of the late convention of this state j and have opened 
a correspondence with the several states; and with different 
parts of this state. Notwithstanding so large a part of the 
citizens of the United Slates, appear to be in sentiment, that 
it is necessary the constitution should be altered; in order to 
render the people happy, and their liberties secure under it; 
yet it is now evident these alterations will not be obtained 
without great exertions and pains to awaken the people to 
their interests and safety. Associations of the well informed 
and patriotic gentlemen in the different parts of the country, 
we apprehend will have the most salutary influence to effect 
so desirable an event; we therefore earnestly invite you to set 
this on foot, and to open a correspondence with us. 

We have only to add that whatever diversity of sentiment 
may have taken place among the friends of equal liberty in 
our late convention we are fully persuaded that they will 
unite their utmost exertions to procure the amendments in 
the only mode that is now left. And should the opportunity, 
which is now offered at the organization of the govern- 
ment, not be properly improved, it is highly probable such 
a favorable one, will not be again presented; and the liber- 
ties of the people M'ill then depend on the arbitrary decrees 
of their rulers. 

In behalf, &c. 

To 

It was then determined that fair transcripts should be made, 
then signed by the chairman, and transmitted to the proper 
persons as early as possible. 

The meeting w-as then adjourned to Thursday evening 
next, Nov. 13, and then to meet at the usual time and 
place.* 

Fraunce's Tavern, Thursday 
Evening, Nov. 13, 1788. 

A sufficient number for business not having met, the gen- 
tlemen who assembled immediately adjourned, to meet w hen- 
ever called upon by the chairman. 

The special call of the Legislature by Governor Clinton 
superseded the labors of the committee in relation to the 
calling of a new^ convention, but before they separated they 
opened a correspondence in relation to the candidate for 

*Tillinghast papers, N. Y. His. Soc. 



326 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

the Vice Presidency to be elected with Washington; and 
transmitted a circular letter to the several states of which, 
the following is a copy: 

Sir: . . . ■ 

The Federal Republicans in this state, are of opinion that 
it is of great importance in the election of Vice President, 
that the choice fall upon a person who will be zealously en- 
gaged in promoting such amendments to the new Constitu- 
tion as will render the liberties of the country secure under 
it. 

For this purpose they have consulted some gentlemen in 
Virginia, who are united in sentiment with us, and are in- 
formed that they have it in view in that state, to vote for 
Gov. Clinton of this state, for that office. We have reason 
to believe that the Electors of this state will generally give 
their votes in his favor.* 

It is highly probable, if your state would unite with Vir- 
ginia, and ours, that Gov. Clinton will be elected. We need 
not make any observations, to show the influence that the Vice 
President will have, in the administration of the new Go- 
vernment. Nor is it necessary to say any thing respecting 
the talents or sentiments of this gentleman. Both are well 
known thi oughout the Union. If you should concur with us 
in opinion, you will take such measures to communicate the 
matter to the Electors of your state, as your prudence may 
dictate.! 

The Schuyler party had now gained the Senate by a small 
majority, J while the party of the Governor in the House, re- 
tained a decided ascendency.^ Mr. Lawrence, from the ma- 
jority of the Senate, brought in a bill, on the 13th December, 
1788, for "Regulating the manner of appointing elect- 
ors, who are to elect the President, and Vice President of 
the United States of America ;"|| and two days after, another 
for the choice of Senators to represent the state in the Con- 
gress of the United States ;1T and simultaneously with these, 
Mr. Jones, from the Governor's party in the Assembly , brought 
in a bill embodying the choice of electors, and Senators, 

* The design thus early formed does not seem to have been disclosed 
until the election of 1792. 

fTillinghast papers, N. Y. His. Soc. 

$ Senate Journals. § Idem. 1| Idem. t Idem. 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 327 

" Entitled an act for carrying into effect, on the part of this 
state, the Constitution of the United States, assented to, and 
ratified by the Convention of this state, on the 26th July 
last."* The Senate passed both their bills, and they were 
summarily rejected by the House, three days afterward.f On 
the 22d December, the House perfected their bill, and trans- 
mitted it to the Senate for concurrence. The provisions of 
the bill were substantially the same as those now adopted for 
the choice of Senators of this state in Congress.| The Senate, 
on motion of Mr. Schuyler, amended the bill, so that of the 
two Senators to be chosen, each House were to nominate, and 
if the nomination disagree, the Senate were to choose one of 
those nominated by the Housej and the House to choose one 
of those nominated by the Senate;§ and the same mode to 
prevail in the choice of Electors. 

The House refused to concur in the amendment, and the 
Senate adhered. A conference was proposed 6 January, 
1789, by the House, but it produced no agreement, and both 
parties resolved to maintain their respective positions.|| A 
new bill for the choice of Senators, was framed by Mr. Jones, 
which was adopted by the House, on the 19th, containing 
the provisions of the rejected bill,Tr and the Assembly pro- 
posed a joint resolution in the following words: " Resolved, 
if the Senate concur therein, that eight persons be appointed 
Electors of the President, and Vice President of the United 
States of America, in the same manner as delegates are 
chosen to represesent this state, in the United States in Con- 
gress assembled, and that the House will immediately pro- 
ceed to the nomination of eight persons, as aforesaid. That 
the said persons shall meet in the City Hall, of the city of 
Albany, on the first Wednesday of February, in the year of 
our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty-nine, and 
then, and there proceed to vote by ballot, for two persons, as 
mentioned in the fifth section of the second article of the 
Constitution of the United States, in the manner, and agree- 

* Assembly Journals. t Idem. J Idem. 

§ Senate Journals and Assembly Journals, || Idem. ^ Idem 



328 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

able to the directions therein contained; and further, to do, 
and perform all other, the duties enjoined upon them by the 
said Constitution."* To this, Mr. Schuyler, in the Senate, 
proposed an amendment, that eight electors be chosen; the 
Senate to choose four, and the House to choose the other 
four.f The Assembly refused to agree to the amendment, 
and the resolution fell. 

The bill for the election of Senators shared the same fate; J 
the Senate amended it, and the House refused to concur in 
the amendments. A second conference, invited by the As- 
sembly, also, on the 9th February, resulted in disagreement.^ 
and the time for the meeting of the Electors having passed, 
the state was not represented either in the Electoral College, 
or in the Senate of the United States.] | The failure to choose 
Electors, disconcerted the plans of Gov. Clinton's friends, and 
he received but three votes, which were cast by electors from 
Virginia.!! This may be considered the first precedent in 
which parties in the Legislature, by pertinaciously adhering 
to modes of action, or to particular candidates, have defeated 
elections to the Senate of the United States. 

Mr. Hammond suggests that the coxlrse taken by Messrs. 
Smith, Jones, and eleven other members of the Convention, 
in yielding the question of preliminary amendments, was ad- 
vised by Gov. Clinton. Dunlap, too, says that it was the re- 
sult of a determination in caucus. Both are probably mis- 
taken. That a caucus was held, is known, and that thirteen 
of those who had voted against adjournment, on the 16th 
July, resolved to change, and did change their votes upon 
Mr. Smith's resolutions, as renewed by Mr. Lansing; but 
that this was adverse to the wishes of the Anti-Constitution- 
alists, is evident, from the vote on the final proposition of 
Mr. Lansing, and from the letter of Dewitt Clinton, which, 
as it respects the opposition, stood the same as before. 

The seceding members were principally from Long Island, 

* Senate Journals and Assembly Journals. \ Idem. J Idem. 

§ Journals of Assembly. || Idem. Tj Journals Congress. 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 329 

and under the influence of Mr. Jones, while the delegation 
from Ulster, from which county the Governor was elected, to 
a man voted against adoption; so did that of Orange, the 
birth place of the Clintons, and where they had great con- 
trol, with a single exception, and all the other delegations 
over whom the Governor had the most influence, stood firm 
in opposition. Again, the apologetic tone of the preceding 
letter of the Committee to the diflferent counties, which most 
likely spoke the language of Messrs. Smith, and Jonos, indi- 
cates an apprehension that the falling off" of the southern por- 
tion of the state, had created a schism in the party of the 
Non-Adoptionists. 

Mr. Hammond also intimates a doubt whether Gov. Clin- 
ton, seriously expected, that the call of another general Con- 
vention would be successful. The proceedings of the Com- 
mittee, organized 13th October, some of whom were his most 
intimate friends, together with his special call of the Legis- 
lature, and his strenuous recommendation to that body, to 
carry out the unanimous resolve of the Convention in that 
respect, are pretty conclusive evidence. But the action of 
the Congress of 1789, which engrafted amendments upon the 
Constitution, superseded the necessity of the convocation. 



42 



330 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 



CHAPTER XXIV. 

Party Excitements. — Quarrel between Oswald, and Hamilton. — Duel 
Prevented. — Heats in Albany. — Greene Street Battle. — Attack on 
Greenleaf s Office in New York. — On Gen. Lamb's House, meditated. 
— Preparations for Defence. — Design Abandoned. — Washington No- 
minates Lamb for the Collectorship. — Senate Confirm. — French Re- 
volution. — Party Heats. — Republicans side with the French. — The 
Federalists lean to the other Party. — Aggressions of the British. — Con- 
tested Election between Jay, and Clinton. — Clinton successful. — Second 
Presidential Election, — Some votes cast for Clinton. — Arrival of Genet, 
the French Minister. — Great Honors paid him. — Cities Address him. 
— A French Frigate arrives. — Officers Feasted. — Fleet arrives. — 
French Privateers fitted out in the Delaware. — Lieutenants of the Am- 
buscade decoyed on board the Boston. — The Boston sends a Challenge 
to the Ambuscade. — Accepted — Battle. — Captain of the Boston killed. 
— Boston escapes. 

The violence with which each party urged its arguments, 
and the acrimony which was exhibited against each other, 
in their respective party papers, gave rise to numerous quar- 
rels and contentions, and in one instance had nearly ended 
in a duel, between Col. Oswald, and the great champion of 
the Constitutionali^. In consequence of some extraordinary 
provocation, a cartel was borne to the latter, by Major 
John Wiley, grandfather of Mr. Wiley, the bookseller; but 
upon explanation, satisfactory to Col. 0., he withdrew the 
challenge, and the afiair was adjusted honorably to* both 
parties. 

Mr. John C. Hamilton, in his book, vol. 2, page , as- 
serts that there was a party combination, to take the life of 
his father by duel, and that it was defeated through the in- 
terposition of Isaac Ledyard. This is a grave charge, and 
should not have been lightly hazarded. Such a scheme might 

* Traditional history 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 331 

have been broached by some rash, and violent men; but that 
it received countenance from any high-minded, and honor- 
able man of the party, is not credible. If such a design had 
existed, the challenge of Col. Oswald would not have been 
so readily withdrawn, and a dispute so near the last resort, 
so easily compromised. 

So far as Gen. Lamb was concerned, though placed in di- 
rect conflict with Col. H., on the question of rescinding the 
disqualifications of the Loyalists, and in the still more mo- 
mentous one, of the adoption of the Constitution; there was 
yet a friendly intercourse between the former, and his great 
antagonist. On one occasion, Hamilton was expostulating 
with him, upon the violence of his opposition to the new 
scheme of government, and the unreasonableness of his fears, 
that its powers would be abused; since, as he observed, that 
it was matter of certainty, that Washington would be the 
first President. Lamb in reply, readily admitted, that un- 
limited power might be safely trusted to that great man; but 
he added, that he knew of no other mortal, to whom he would 
be willing to confide, the enormous authority which the Con- 
stitution had granted; and that not even the influence of a 
name so illustrious, could shake his opposition to the dan- 
gerous instrument. 

Difference of opinion, in regard to the adoption of the 
Constitution, created violent contentions; and party feuds 
had scarcely ever raged higher. When the news of the 
accession of Virginia reached Albany, on the 3d July, the 
friends of the new charter repaired to the fort, where it was 
read, and fired a salute on the occasion. The next day being 
the anniversary of Independence, the other party commenced 
the celebration of the national birth day by burning the 
Constitution at the same place where their adversaries had 
testified their joy. These acts excited mutual bitterness; 
and when, in the exuberance of their triumph, the constitu- 

* Traditional history. 



332 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

tionalists, in procession, determined to pass the house at 
which the other party held their celebration, they were re- 
sisted, and driven back.* 

Rallying in greater force, they made another attempt in 
a different direction. To repel this, the other party had 
planted a field piece, in Green street, charged with small 
stones, in the middle of the street, opposite to their citadel, 
through which the assault was to be made. And as the 
troop of dragoons, which headed the procession of their 
antagonists, began their charge, the defenders of the pass 
applied the match to their gun; but the priming had been 
wetted, or the piece spiked, and it failed to explode. Su- 
periority of numbers prevailed; and, notwithstanding a stout 
resistance, in w'hich many on both sides were wounded, the 
anti-constitutionalists were routed. This affray is still re- 
membered; and the stoney battle of Green street is part of 
the history of the time.f 

The anti-constitutionalists, although the dominant party 
in the state, were in a fearful minority in the city. The pa- 
per of that party, which for sometime after the death of its 
original conductor, had been managed by Greenleaf for the 
benefit of the widow of Mr. Holt, had become the property 
of the editor; who, although a decided party man, resolved 
to conduct the contest with moderation. And in compari- 
son with the practice which afterwards prevailed, and which 
continues to the present day, it must be admitted that his 
course was marked with great prudence and impartiality. 
Notwithstanding this forbearance, as the hopes of the friends 
of adoption increased, their animosities against the opposers 
of the constitution, enkindled from day to day. And when 
the great victory, which had been so long doubtful, was at 
length decided in their favor, they resolved to manifest their 
triumph by signal marks of vengeance upon the editor and 
his friends. 

This was threatened for several days previous, but 

* Loudon's paper. t Greenleaf. 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 333 

Greenleaf, relying too much upon the justice of his enemies, 
took very imperfect measures to defend his premises and 
property.* His domicile was in Pine street, and h^ was 
visiting at the house of Maj. J. Miles Hughes, on the other 
side of the street, and nearly opposite. As soon as the tu- 
multuous cheerings of the mob were heard approaching the 
entrance of William street from Wall, he began to appre- 
hend that his office would be assailed. Hurrying across, 
armed only with his pistols, he dismissed his workmen, who 
were preparing the paper for publication, and determined 
to abide the defence alone. One of his apprentices, how- 
ever, refusetl to quit with the others, and armed with the best 
weapon he could fmd, stood by the editor's side. It was not 
until midnight that the rioters were prepared for the attempt, 
when they marched into the street and commenced the at- 
tack. Greenleaf, with his resolute apprentice, were in the 
chamber above; and upon throwing open his window to as- 
certain the number and character of his invaders, he was sa- 
luted by a shower of stones; and he discharged in return one of 
his pistols among the crowd. The shot took effect upon the 
dexter hand of a sailor, who, attracted by the glorious mis- 
chief going forward, was foremost of the group, and car- 
ried away two of the middle fingers. Thus placed hors du 
combat, he made his retreat, and two of the most vociferous 
of the party, who had stood near him, thinking the affair 
past a joke, followed in his wake. The second pistol, though 
aimed with hearty good will, missed fire. Axes had been 
procured, and Major W. Livingston was using one of them, 
in order to force an entrance, when Greenleaf, reaching his 
arm out of the window, brought the muzzle of the pistol 
within a few feet of the ear of the assailant, and pulled trig- 
ger without effect. The click of the lock, and the formid- 
able appearance of the weapon, caused some of the party to 
recoil; but a second attempt to fire it being ineffectualj 
they returned to the charge.f The office was forced, while 

* Greenleaf s paper. f Traditional History. 



334 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

the garrison above stairs made their escape at the rear of 
the building, into Wall street. 

The rioters, disappointed by this escape, threw every thing 
into jyi, damaged the cases, and carried off some of the ma- 
terials, by which means the publication of the paper was 
suspended for many days.* 

Others were not so improvident of the means of defence j 
and General Lamb, the most obnoxious of the anti adoption- 
ists, had been loudly threatened. With the vigilance of an 
old campaigner, he provided fifteen or twenty stand of arms, 
with the requisite ammunition, which with his side arms con- 
stituted tolerable means of defence. As soon as it was known 
that the attack was meditated on that night, Col. Oswald, 
who happened to be in town, repaired to the house, and 
Capt. Tillinghast, son-in-law to the General, also arrived. 
General Lamb had sent his wife with some of the female 
domestics, to the house of Mr. Tillinghast in Cherry street j 
his sister was also sent abroad; but his youngest daughter, 
afterwards married to Reuben Attwater, who became Secre- 
tary of Michigan in 1808, with a Miss Chapman from Con- 
necticut, a visitor in the family, refused to quit the house. 
And a colored servant, much attached to her master, deter- 
mined to remain also. This Amazonian reserve was sta- 
tioned in the attick story, where a large number of porter 
bottles, and heavy Dutch tiles, the debris of a former roof, 
had been stowed away. The party above had orders to cast 
these among the crowd at the first report of musketry. Not 
having been able to provide himself with hand grenades, as 
was his original intention, the commander deemed these no 
inefficient substitute. 

The females thus disposed, the garrison below was mus- 
tered. Captain Tillinghast received peremptory orders to 
join his family at home;f and notwithstanding his ardent 
supplication for permission to remain, under a threat of per- 
sonal ejection in case of recusancy, he reluctantly obeyed. 

* Greenleafs paper. f Family tradition. 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 335 

About this time a reinforcement arrived in the person of 
Major John Wiley, a relative of the family, a gentleman of 
well known courage and resolution; and one who had figured 
largely in the prostration of the King's statue in the Bowling 
Green, on the day that the news of the declaration of inde- 
pendence was received. Three veterans, a youth of seven- 
teen, the present Gen. Anthony Lamb, and a near relative 
about the same age, then a medical student, afterwards Dr. 
John Lamb, who died of yellow fever in 1798 ; with a black 
servant, formerly belonging to Gen, Bloomfield of New Jer- 
sey, who had been with his former master at the battle of 
Monmouth, and no flincher withal, was the effective force 
remaining. The doors and windows below were barred; the 
hall was obstructed by a barricade, composed of the furniture 
of the dining room; the stairway was in like manner de- 
fended; and the garrison was mustered in the second story.* 
The boys were stationed at the magazine, to hand fresh musk- 
ets, and to load those emptied at each discharge; and thus pre- 
pared, Gen. Lamb placed each man at his station, with strict 
injunctions, in no event to be provoked to fire, until he should 
begin the action; resolving to reserve his own fire until the 
assault should seriously begin. All the lights were extin- 
guished, save that at the arsenal, to enable the guns to be 
reloaded with accuracy and dispatch, and in this condition 
they quietly awaited the onslaught. 

The rioters having finished at Greenleaf s, with shouts and 
huzzas, began to throng into Wall street, where on the south 
side, about mid way between Pearl and William streets. Gen. 
Lamb resided. The whole street in front of the house, it be- 
ing moonlight, presented to the view of those stationed at 
the windows, a dense mass of heads; while the shutters of 
the windows being closed, and loop holes cut for observation, 
and for the fire ^ms, nothing was discoverable from without.f 
All sorts of noises, threats, and revilings were vociferously 
uttered, but the inmates of the house made no reply; and 
the leaders of the mob, somewhat disconcerted, prepared 

* Family tradition. t Idem. 



336 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

to hold a council of war. The conclusion to which they 
arrived was, either that the house was deserted, or that 
it was to be vigorously defended. The first suggestion, 
the well known character of the occupant forbade them to 
indulge; and coming to the latter conclusion, they all knew 
the hazard of the encounter, and very prudently abandoned 
the enterprise. 

The matter at this day may be treated with pleasantry, 
but it was a most solemn crisis, and pregnant with serious 
danger. Had the attempt been made, so ample were the 
means of defence, and so obstinate the courage of the de- 
fenders; that a fearful loss of life would have ensued. If 
ultimately successful, the invaders might have taken the 
females captive; but the dead bodies of the male defenders, 
alone would have signalized the triumph; while hecatombs 
of their own friends would have been sacrificed in the affray. 
The city would have been disgraced; and the sanguinary 
scenes afterwards enacted at Baltimore, would not have 
lacked a precedent. This was the only tumult which occur- 
red on the final adoption of the Constitution, and the great 
and important change in the government of a nation, was 
quietly effected. 

The complexion given to parties by the controversies in 
regard to the restoration of the tories, was for a while, 
merged in the disputes concerning the Constitution; whose 
friends had become intolerant after their success; and strenu- 
ous exertions were made to punish those who had opposed 
its adoption. The first session of the Congress after the 
election' Of President and Vice President, was held m New 
York; and great efforts were made to induce General Wash- 
ington to overlook Lamb, (who held the office of Collector 
of the Customs under the government of New York,) in his 
nominations to the Senate. He had not solicited the nomi- 
nation of the President; and a pretext was made, that he 
ought for that cause to be dropped; but the chief arguments 
used against him, were the active measures which he had 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 337 

taken to defeat the adoption of the Constitution. These lat- 
ter considerations, had no weight in the mind of Washing- 
ton; who was too just to punish any one, for a difference of 
political opinion; but he was seriously embarrassed by the 
neglect of Lamb, to make application for reappointment.* 

Many were the candidates for the office, who sanguinely 
expected the President's influence in their favor; and still 
General Lamb adhered inflexibly to his resolution not to 
solicit the appointment. To the arguments of his friends,- 
who urged him to apply; he replied, "No man knows better 
than the President, whether I have acquired claims upon the 
government, by services to the country .f If he thinks pro- 
per to nominate me I shall be duly grateful for the favor; 
but if he should deem another man's pretensions more worthy 
than mine; I shall cheerfully submit."| For several days 
the President withheld the nomination, in the expectation of 
a formal application; but being apprized of the footing upon 
which General Lamb rested his case, on the 6th Aug. 1879, 
he sent in his name to the Senate, who unanimously ratified 
the appointment.^ 

Accounts were, on the 24th September, received of the 
commencement of the French Revolution; which being 
headed by La Fayette, and many who had served in Ame- 
rica, was hailed with great enthusiasm by all parties. Even 
those who had adhered to the Grown, during the war, 
viewed the event with joy; as it seemed to strike a blow 
against the natural enemies of Britain. But as that revolu- 
tion advanced, the doubtful course^ pursued by the parties 
which successively displaced each other, shook the faith of 
the more sagacious in the patriotism of all. And when the 
sanguinary proceedings of the Jacobins, had disgraced the 
nation, and stained the cause by their course of rapine and 
blood, a large party in the United States reprobated and de- 
nounced it. 

But there were many, who did not approve of the mur- 

* Family tradition. f Idem. tWem. \^ Senate Journals. 

43 



338 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

ders and crimes of the revolutionists; yet could not abandon 
hopes of a beneficial termination of the revolt; and were for 
strengthening the efforts of France, by the direct influence 
of the government. This was avoided by the President; 
and a position of neutrality was taken by the administra- 
tion. Out of this question, grew violent contentions; the 
lines, which had been drawn during ihe contest for the en- 
franchisement of the tories; were now, more strongly marked 
than ever; and the parties, mutually charged each other, 
with being factions of the belligerents of Europe; and in 
truth, the situations, into which both parties had been thrown 
by circumstances, gave color to the accusation. The exas- 
perations produced by these collisions, were continually in- 
creasing. If the friends of the administration were justified 
in their course, by the malconduct of the revolutionists; the 
friends of France, were confirmed in their detestation of the 
English, by the unwarrantable conduct of their government; 
who still kept possession of the posts upon the upper lakes; 
and even maintained a naval armament on Lake Cham- 
plain. 

Nor did ,the conduct of the commanders of British vessels 
arriving, 7th December, 1791, in our harbors, tend to di- 
minisK" the excitement against their government. An armed 
schooner of that nation arrived, which, upon being boarded 
by our revenue officer, claimed exemption from the visit, as 
a government vessel; and the master refused to show his 
commission.* 

The Wi-constitutional party in the city which had hith- 
erto claimed to be designated as the Federal Republican, 
now ^andoned the ground to their antagonists, and adopted 
the title of Republican; and the electioneering contest was 
carried on uijder that name, opposed to the one under which 
they had formerly rallied; and which had been usurped from 
them. 
'The Bank of New York, which had been established under 

* Greenleafs and other papers. 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 339 

the auspices of Col. Hamilton in 1784, was, 25th March, 
1791, incorporated; and as it had always exercised an im- 
portant influence upon the elections, its power upon the ap- 
proaching struggle, was not weakened by the stability which 
it had acquired by its charter. 

The chair of State was in 1792 disputed between George 
Clinton of the Republican party, and John Jay, the Federal 
candidate; and the battle was carried on with great viru- 
lence. The Clinton party, charged upon the opposing can- 
didate, the authorship of many severe articles which had been 
published against them. This charge, entirely inconsistent 
with his whole character, was indignantly denied by Mr. 
Jay. But on the 4th April, the most singular theme of vitu- 
peration against the Federal candidate, was that of being too 
much under the injluence of the general administration* 
Clinton was elected, and the defeated candidate was appointed 
Chief Justice of the United States. The second election of 
President and Vice President, took place about this time; 
and George Clinton received fifty votes for the Vice Presi- 
dency.! New York had now passed a law for the appoint- 
ment of electors; and twelve of her votes were cast for Clin- 
ton. Virginia gave him twenty-one; North Carolina twelve; 
Georgia four; and Pennsylvania one. 

The heats engendered by this election, had not subsided, 
when the French frigate, the Ambuscade, arrived at Charles- 
ton on the 8th April, 1792, bringing as Minister of the French 
Republic, Edmond Charles Genet, Adjutant-General of the 
Republican armies. This vessel had made many prizes on 
our coast; and the eclat given to the arrival of the ga^ic 
envoy, was as grateful to the Republican, as it was repulsive 
to the Federal party. The papers gave out, that the new 
Minister was about to declare certain ports op^ to a^ niore 
extended commerce with the United States; and this an- 
nouncement had a tendency to increase the public -good will 
towards the Republic and its missive. The progress of tne 

* Greenleafs and other papers. t Journals of Congress. 



340 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

Ambassador towards the seat of government, was triumphal. 
His approach was heralded by the newspapers; and the citi- 
zen,3, on the 17th May, en masse, were invited to meet him, 
^nd escort him into Philadelphia. A public address was 
given him; and the high honors which were paid him by 
'the people, could not have failed to confirm him in a belief of 
the popularity of his mission, and of his personal importance. 
And when the Ambuscade, which had brought him, after 
scouring the coast, arrived in the bay of New York, 12th 
June, the commander of the Frigate and his officers, were re- 
ceived with the highest distinction.* The Cap of Liberty 

_ was erected upon the top of the flag staff of the Tontine, on 
the 15th, which was declared under the protection of all real 

- Whigs; its molestation denounced, and the removal strictly 
forbidden. 

After enjoying for ten days th* demonstrations of the 
friendship of the Republicans, the commander of the Ambus- 
pade, on the 22d June, sailed on a cruise, with the good 
wishes of the one, and the maledictions of the other party. 
Factious animosities continued to increase; French privateers 
were fitted out in southern ports, and in the Delaware; and citi- 
zens of Pennsylvania were arrested for having served on board 
them. The general government, as was proper, denounced 
thepi; and issued a proclamation of neutrality, which was ill 
feceived by the Republicans, who doubled their demonstra- 
4ions of respect for the French envoy, as the administration 
seemed disposed to circumscribe his influence. 

The conduct of the envoy was conciliatory to the people; 
and he severely denounced the commanders of certain French 
vessels, for maltreating the American flag. The Ambuscade 

. arrived on the 14th July, and her oflScers received renewed 
tokens of the friendship of the Republicans, whose sympa- 
thies were more strongly excited by an occurrence not very 
honorable to the British flag.f A pilot boat came in, on the 
21st, reporting the Concorde, a consort of the French vessel, off 

* Greenleaf's and other papers. f Idem. 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. . 34^ 

the Hook; and a Lieutenant with a boat's crew, unwillihg -to 
await the arrival of the frigate, went out to meet her. De- 
ceived by the report of the pilot, and by the tri-colored flag, 
which was spread aloft, they mounted the decks; when to 
their surprise, they found themselves prisoners of war, on 
board the Boston, a British frigate. This ungenerous act^ 
was severely reprobated by the Republicans; and the trea- 
chery of the pilot, deservedly denounced. The commander of 
the Boston, not satisfied with the insult that he had offered, 
sent to Capt. Bompard, of the Ambuscade, an invitatioux to ■- 
meet hinj at sea; and the French frigate, on' the 30th- 
July, sailed with the intention of fighting the Boston. It was. 
said that this challenge was accepted, at the solicitations of 
some of the leading Republicans of the city. It in certain 
that many citizens volunteered to man the French ship ; and • 
others thronged the pilot boats, and went down to the Hook, 
in order to witness the approaching combat. The vessels 
met; and after a severe action, Courtney, the Captain of the 
Boston, was killed; his main-top-mast shot away, and with 
much water in her hold, the British ship bore away for Hali- 
fax. Bompard for some time followed the chase; but aM 
his lower masts being wounded, and it being imprudent to 
follow her farther, his antagonist escaped.* 

* Greenleafs and other papers. 



342 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 



CHAPTER XXV. 

Bets upon the Issue of the Battle — French Party elated. — Mortification 
of the English. — Genet arrives in the City. — Demonstrations of Re- 
spect. — Arrogance of the Minister. — Government ueutral. — Genet 
threatens to appeal to Congress from the President's decision — Charged 
with threatening to appeal to the People. — Denies the charge — Calls 
upon the Attorney-General of the U. S. to prosecute Jay and King for 
circulating the Report. — Attorney-General refuses. — Ultraism of Party 
on both sides. — Tri-colored cockade worn by the Republicans. — Term 
Democrat introduced. — Democratic Society formed. — Governor orders 
the Ships of War of both Nations below Governor's Island. — French Li- 
berty Cap mounted on the Flag-staff at the Tontine. — Contested Election 
between Jay and Yates. — Jay successful.^ J ay's Treaty denounced. — 
Public Meetings. — Democrats burn the Treaty. — Quarrel between Gen. 
Hamilton and Commodore Nicholson. — Compromised. — Popularity of 
Genet declines. Lamb's ill health — Death of his Assistant and Son- 
in-law.^Death of Col. Oswald. — Infidelity of Lamb's Clerk. — Conse- 
quent Difficulties. — Attack of the Gout. — Death.— His Character. 

Bets had run extravagantly high, upon the result of this 
encounter. All who believed in the invincibility of the tars 
of old England, had given large odds that the Ambuscade 
would be taken; and w^ere not a little chop-fallen, at their 
disappointment; while the exultation of the Republicans 
was vociferous. 

During the continuance of these excitements, on the 3d 
Aug., a French fleet, of fifteen sail, arrived in port; whose 
officers were treated with the same extravagant civility 
which had been bestowed upon those of the Ambuscade. 
And in the midst of these demonstrations, the arrival of the 
French Minister at Powle's Hook, was announced on the 
7th.* The bells were rung, a salute was fired, and a large 
meeting was held in the fields, of which Commodore James 

♦ Greenleafs and other papers. 



i 



'life of JOHN LAMB. 343 

Nicholson was chairman, and White Matlack secretary; 
and a committee of forty was appointed to arrange a meet- 
ing with the ambassador, and to escort him into town. The 
next day, a counter meeting was called, of which Nicholas 
Cruger was chairman, which strongly inculcated the obser- 
vance of the President's proclamation of neutrality, and de- 
nounced service on board French privateers. The Chamber 
of Commerce concurred with this meeting. 

The very extraordinary countenance which had every 
where been given by the leaders of the republican party to 
the French envoy, together with the enthusiastic reception 
which the people gave him on his advent among them, in- 
flated the pride of the Minister, who was not over diffident 
of his own importance. He had been led into much impru- 
dence of language with regard to the Executive and his ad- 
visers; and he disclosed to Alexander J. Dallas of Philadel- 
phia, his determination to appeal to Congress from the 
President's measures. Mr. Dallas reported this conversa- 
tion to Gov. Mifflin of Pennsylvania, who understood him 
to say, the Minister had threatened to appeal from the Pre- 
sident to the people; and the Governor in turn detailed to 
Messrs. Hamilton and Knox, members of the President's 
cabinet, that the envoy had so threatened. These gentlemen 
repeated this information to Messrs. Jay and King, M^ho, at 
the moment when the popular favor towards France was at 
the highest, published, under the sanction of their names in 
the newspapers, the threat of M. Genet, as they had under- 
stood it. 

This statement was denied by the friends of the Minister, 
and as confidently reaffirmed by the opposite party; crimina- 
tions and recriminations were lavishly uttered, and the ran- 
cour of the different factions was increased.* 

M. Genet, unwilling to remain under the charge brought 
against him by Messrs. Jay and Hamilton, wrote a letter to 
the President, calling upon him to disavow it. This letter 

* Greenleafs uud other papers. 



844 ' LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

was replied to by Mr. Jefferson, Secretary of State, in which 
he apprises the Minister that direct applications to the 
Executive are inadmissable, and that to the Department of 
State his appeals ought to be addressed. 

A new cause of complaint was found by the Minister in 
consequence of the revocation, by the President, of the exe- 
quatur of the Vice-Consul of France to Massachusetts, New 
Hampshire, and Rhode Island. Against this act, the envoy 
rudely remonstrated, and denied the authority of the Presi- 
dent in the case. He followed this declaration by a formal 
complaint, to the Secretary of State, against Messrs. Jay and 
Hamilton. He also wrote to the Attorney-<jeneral, Ran- 
dolph, calling upon him to vindicate the honor of France by 
prosecuting those gentleman for a libel upon her Minister; 
but that functionary, after a conference with the French 
envoy, declined to prosecute, because he did not consider the 
case sustainable. During all these controversies, the repub- 
lican party, in all parts of the country, spmpatLized with 
Genet; and the citizens of Philadelphia gave him a public 
dinner.* 

About this period, Col. Oswald, formerly Lieut.-Col. of 
Lamb's regiment, and who had gained much reputation by 
his conduct of the artillery at the battle of Monmouth, re- 
turned. He had been to England upon some business, and 
guided by his natural enthusiasm for liberty and passion for 
military renown, had crossed the channel and entered the 
army of Dmnourier. He w^as received with distinction, and 
the command of a regiment of artillery was given him; in 
which he served at the battle of Mons or Jemappe.f , The 

* Greenleafs paper. 

t Col. Oswald, is undbubte'dly,, the American alluded to in the follow- 
ing sketch: 

'' The French were aware of the superiority of the cavalry of the 
enemy they had to contend with: to this force, they were strongly ad- 
vised by an American, who had made a campaign with them in the Low 
Countries, and was at the battle of Jemappe, to bring a more than usual 
quantity of artillery into the field. This suggestion was adopted and 



J 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 345 

appearance of this officer in his foreign uniform, and wear- 
ing the tri-colored cockade, among his former acquaintances, 
tended in no small degree to exacerbate the hostilities of his 
old antagonists; while the frequent insults of the British to 
our flag upon the high seas, and their spoliations upon our 
commerce, inflamed the hostilities of the republicans against 
that nation, and - all those who directly, or indirectly, sus- 
tained it. Meetings were called, on the 27th Feb., 1794, 
to take into consideration these spoliations; and the decla- 
mations, pro and con, were highly exciting. In this state 
of feeling all classes and occupations mingled. It even in- 
vaded the green room of the theatre; and INIrs. Melmoth, 
then in high favor with the public, refusing to speak an 
epilogue to the opera of Tammany, came very neai- texpe-;- 
riencing a severe rebuke, for that refusal, from the adherents 
of the republican party. The tri-colored cockade was worn 
by numbers; and some enthusiasts recommended its adoption 
as the national cockade of the Union. French manners and 
modes of address were imitated; the terra of " citizen" 
was adopted by many; and the democrats, who- favored the 
French, and the Sons of Liberty of our own revolution, 
were, in the publications of the republicans, strongly 
assimilated.* A writer, whose article was headed " Demo- 
crat No. 1," addressed the President as " Citizen George 
Washington;" and a democratic society was formed, of 
which Commodore Nidiolson was president, and Tunis 
Wortman secretary.! From this period may be dated the , 
adoption of the term democrat in the party nomenclature ; 

occasioned a sudden and vast promotion of officers." — Biography of Mo- 
rcau; Universal Magazine^ No. IV. of Vol. I., for April., 1804. 

* Greenleaf s paper. 

t Mr. Davis, in his life of Burr, vol. 1, pag^ 53, says, " Soon after 
the adoption of the New Constitution, the anti-federal party were re- 
cognized by a name more descriptive of their principles and their views. 
They assumed the title of Democrats. They considered themselves an- 
ti-constitutionalists; but not anti-federalists." In this he is certainly 
mistaken. 

44 



346 ■ LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

and the successors of the party of that day, were long kno\yn 
sometimes as republicans, sometimes as democrats. The de- 
mocratic society and its officers were denounced and ridi- 
culed by the federalists;* its members were called Jacobins 
^nd sans culottes; but they stoutly defended themselves; and 
democratic societies were every where established under, the 
auspices of the French Minister. 

The ships of war of both nations were crowded into the 
harbor, and Gov. Clinton, probably considering their proxi- 
mity alarming, on the 12th June, ordered the armed vessels 
in port to go below Governor's Island, and inhibited them 
all approach to the city within a mile of that place. This 
was afterwards, on the 24th Oct., relaxed to vessels wanting 
repairs.! 

The flag staflf at the Tontine was surmounted by the Cap 
of Liberty; and the democrats had hoisted the tri-colored 
flag beneath the national emblem. This was, on the 20th 
May, 1795, hauled down by the opposite party and secreted; 
or, as the papers of the democrats phrased it, " insultingly 
and feloniously" carried avvay.| But the indignation of the 
party was appeased when, after a few days, it was reclaimed 
and restored. In the midst of these heats and heart burn- 
ings, an election occurred. George Clinton havirig de- 
clined to be again the candidate of his party, Robert Yates, 
Chief Justice of the State, was selected in his stead; and 
William Floyd was associated with him as Lieutenant-Go- 
^vernor; while the federal party put in nomination John 
Jay, Envoy to the Court of St. James, and Stephen .Van 
Rensselaer, the Patroon of Albany, as their candidates. 
They were triumphant; and for the first time the power of 
the state government passed from the republican party. 
, In proportion to the decline of their influence, the animo- 
sities of that party increased. Fuel was added to the flame, 
when the terms of the treaty, negotiated by Chief Justice 
Jay, with the British government,' 15th July, 1795, were dis- 

*Greenleaf. f Proclamation of the Governor. J Idem. 



% 



LIF|: OF JOHN LAMR 347 

closed to the public. The Senate had this important subject 
for some time before thei^, in secret session, when the whole 
matter was pi'ematurely made known to the people, by Ste- 
vens Thompson Masog, a Senator from Virginia.* The burst 
oHndignation which followed this disclosure was extreme. 
The Democratic papers denounced the treaty most emphati- - 
cally; tliey indulged hopes of its rejection by the Senate; 
and a/ter it had been ratified by that body, they clung to the 
belief, that the President would interpose his veto to the 
adoption. 

Disappointed in their expectations, no other resource w^s 
left them, but to express their repugnance to the treaty, and 
its abettors, and by attempts to rouse the popular sentiment 
against them. Public meetings" were called; July iSth,^ 
thanks were resolved to Mr. Mason, for his coniiuct in the 
Senate, and the treaty was abused, and repudiated. At 'one 
of these assemblies of the people, Alexander Hamilton^ and 
Rufus King, undertook the defence of Gov. Jay,, and his 
treaty;! and they defended the compact, with their usual abi- 
lity; while on the other side, it was formidably assailed by 
Peter R.' Livingston, Brockholst Livingston', and others. A 
majority of the meeting, disapproved the treaty. Commit- 
tees were chosen to report resolves against it, and a proces- 
sion of five hundred, on the 22d July, proceeded to the Bat- 
tery, where the document, so obnoxious to their resentment, 
was formally burnt. Never, since the commotions of 1765, 
and 1775, had party acrimony risen, to so high a pitch, or 
threatened such dangerous results.| Bitter' quarrels were en- 
gendered, and a duel was about to be fought between Col. 
Hamilton, and Commodore Nicholson, which happily, was 
prevented by the interposition of Dewitt Clinton, aided by 
other pacificators.§ 

It is hardly necessary to declare, that in all these, excite- 
ments. Gen. Lamb, in perfect consistency with his enthusi- 

* Greenleaf, and other papers. t Idem. t Greenleaf. ^ 

§ This 'is asserted upon the declaration of Solomon Sputhvvick. 



348 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

astic character, and his former preferences, took a decided 
part, although incapacitated by frequent attacks of the gout, 
from assuming an active lead. His predilections, as regarded 
the belligerents of Europe, leaned to France, and throughout 
the whole contest, he was the determined supporter of the 
Democratic party. His house had been, and still was the 
resort of all the officers of the French vessels, when in port. 
Bompard was fUed there, on his triumphal return from his 
action with the Boston, and it was the rallying point of all 
who were in favor of the Revolutionists of France. 

From his earliest acquaintance with George Clinton, Gen. 
Lamb had imbibed the warmest attachment, to that excellent 
man; and he ranged himself on all occasions, under the po- 
litical banner of that devoted patriot. This friendship was 
as ardently returned, and endured until it was dissolved by 
death. With the French Minister, his relations had been 
always friendly; and these ties became closer cemented, by 
the alliance of that personage, with the family of his friend. 

If the honors paid to the Envoy by the people, and his 
consequent triumphs were too exuberant; the reaction of the 
popular sentiment, through the instrumentality of the great 
leaders of the Federal party, was unjustly severe; but in his 
exultations in prosperity, and in his subsequent mortifications, 
and undeserved disgrace, Gen. Lamb ardently, and sincerely 
sympathized. These predilections, and the ardor with which 
he sustained them, rendered him peculiarly obnoxious to the 
resentment of the party opposed to him. 

Gen. Lamb had never been able to eradicate the gout, 
which had so severely attacked him in the hospital in Quebec; 
and the fatigues, and exposure, incident to a military life, 
had augmented the inveteracy of that cruel disease. Its at- 
tacks now became more frequent, and severe ; often threaten- 
ening the vital parts, and at length, he was in a great mea- 
sure confined to his own house, and unable in person to 
attend to the duties of his office. These, however, were ably 
managed by Capt. Charles Tillinghast, his son-in-law, much 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. ' 349 

to the satisfaction of the public, and the government. This 
gentleman, during the ravages of the yellow fever, prompted 
by the benevolence of his own heart, and acting as minister 
to the charities of Gen. Lamb, which were in that distressing 
calamity, extended to all within his reach; had exposed him- 
self to the contagion, by visiting the unfortunate persons un- 
der its influence, and was himself visited by a severe attack 
of the dreadful malady. He survived this, but upon his 
convalescence, he again exerted himself on similar missions 
of humanity; a relapse occurred, always more fatal than the 
first attack, and in a few days he. fell a victim of his own 
philanthropy. 

This loss, to all his friends and relatives, was irreparable. 
To Gen. Lamb it was heart-rendingly severe. Independent 
of the claims to his attachment, from his close affinity, as 
his son-in-law; the amiable character, and exalted virtues 
of the deceased, had acquired his unbounded affection, and 
the blow was heavy indeed. 

Aside from those family ties, and those social virtues of 
the deceased, which had attracted the affections of all 
who knew him; the fidelity and zeal with which Mr. Til- 
linghast had performed his duty to the country throughout 
the war, had given him additional claims to the regard of 
General Lamb. He had served with distinguished credit, as 
assistant of Col. Hughes, in the Quarter-Master's depart- 
ment, of the Middle District, a position arduous in the ex- 
treme, and attended with great danger, whenever his func- 
tions were to be exercised wnthin the neutral ground : the 
inhabitants of which had become demoralized by the disor- 
ders of the times, and by the alternate incursions of both the 
British, and American armies. After the retirement of Col. 
H., Mr. Tillinghast continued in the department, under the 
immediate command of Col. Pickering, the Quarter-Master 
General. 

While acting with Col. Hughes, they had one signal op- 
portunity of carrying into execution the special orders of the 



^50 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

Commander-in-Chief, whose prudence, and forecast were ever 
vigilant. This was in providing the means of transport, for 
bringing off the army, after the fatal defeat on Long Island, in 
1776. Every thing available along the coast, from Spuyten 
Duyvel creek, to the Sound, had been, during the battle, 
pressed into the service by order of Washington; and the 
secrecy with which these vessels were secured, and posted, 
with the promptitude, and energy of the officers employed, 
called forth the special acknowledgement of the Commander- 
in-Chief, after the retreat was perfected. 

During both these attacks of the pestilence, he who had 
ministered in like extremity to others, received from his 
friends, every assistance, and consolation they could bestow. 
Col. Willett, who had been his partner in business, with 
Anthony Lamb, his friend, and brother, w^ere constantly with 
him, and Col. Oswald, who happened in town at the last 
attack, flew to the bedside of the sufferer, whom he loved 
wnth fraternal affection, and relieved his other nurses in their 
assiduous efforts to restore him. The two first, escaped the 
danger to which they had exposed themselves; but Oswald, 
who had so often faced death in the field of battle, was now 
to encounter him in a diiferent sphere. In his attendance 
upon the last moments of his expiring friend, he had con- 
tracted the unrelenting pestilence, and in a few days after he 
had seen the remains of one he had loved, deposited in their 
last resting place, in Trinity Church yard; he himself died, 
and was buried in Saint Paul's, on the 2d October.* 

The death of his old friend, and faithful companion in 
arms, following so near, a dearer loss, was attended by other 
bereavements, which added to his distress, and severely af- 
fected the health, and spirits of Gen. Lamb; but in the so- 
ciety of his domestic circle, which was now increased by the 
widow, and orphans of his departed son; and in the sympa- 
thies of many of his fellow soldiers, he found consolation in 

* Greenleafs paper. 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 351 

the infirmities which were growing upon him. He had an- 
other source of comfort, in the indulgence of the benevolence 
of his heart, and the liberality of his disposition. The boun- 
ties distributed by his means, to the sick and suffering, during 
the trying scenes of the yellow fever, were long remembered, 
and the writer of this memoir, in a country far removed from 
the sphere in which they had been disseminated, heard them 
recounted, by one who had witnessed them, and had been 
herself, a recipient of his benefactions. 

Nor were his benevolences confined to this, and similar 
occasions alone. In repeated instances, his means were 
freely used to open the prison doors, to many, whom the 
rigorous laws of the time, had doomed, as debtors, to con- 
finement, which, without the aid of others, would have been 
perpetual. Frequent were the calls upon his open handed 
generosity; and seldom, whether from Jew, or Gentile, were 
they made in vain. The following letter, among many others 
of a similar character, was found among the papers of Mrs. 
Tillinghast, his eldest daughter; which, as it does credit to 
the writer, as well as illustrates the character of the indivi- 
dual to whom it is addressed, is inserted entire : 

My Dear General Lamb : 

Before I retire to rest, let me entreat you to accept all that 
the heart of gratitude can offer, for the friendship you have 
shown to Mr. Nathan, and myself, and believe that no period 
of time, however remote, can possibly lessen the idea I en- 
tertain of your exalted worth, or lead to a forgetfulness of 
the sensations, which your benevolence of disposition, this 
moment gives rise to my now made happy bosom; they will 
live with my life, and end but in my death; for you have kindly 
snatched me from the black precipice of despair, and placed 
me in the bright and cheering ray of hope. To-morrow, my 
husband, through your charitable aid, will be set free from 
prison! Thus am I given to expect; and may the Father of 
mercies enable Mr. Nathan to repay thee, my dear General, 
in some measure; for he never can render ample compensa- 
tion [for] the manifold obligations he owes you in this, the 
present case, and those of long past date. 



352 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

I received your polite message by my friend, Mr. Moses, 
and lament exceedingly that you are in pain. My prayers 
are offered to the throne of grace, for the reestablishment 
of your health, and that the sweet reward of virtue, may be 
ever thine. 

You will pardon my frequent addresses to you, sir, and re- 
ceive them as the warm effusions of a mind yielding to the 
impulses of affectionate gratitute and esteem. 

Good night my dear General. That you may ever wake 
to happiness, and every earthly blessing, is the ardent, and 
first wish rismg in the breast of your infinitely obliged friend, 

G. Nathan.* 

My warmest acknow^ledgments are due to your son-in-law, 
Mr. Tillinghast, which my heart prompts me to solicit him 
to accept, through the channel of this letter. 

God bless you sir, 

G.N. 
Tuesday night, 11 o'clock. 

Gen. Lamb-I 

In these pursuits, so soothing to a charitable heart. Gen. 
Lamb continued to employ himself, and to seek consolation 
for the bereavement of friends, and for the ravages in the 
circle of his political associates, by the mutations of the 
times. The success of the Federalists was complete, and 
many of those who had been ardent in their devotion to Clin- 
ton, and his measures; when the fountain of political patron- 
age was no longer within his control, and its stream was 
diverted into another channel, followed the current, and 
joined the triumphant party. 

To one so ardent of temper, party defeat, and its concomi- 
tants, were severe, and they were correspondently felt; but 
a blow was impending, more momentous in its consequences; 
one fatal to his peace; — which overwhelmed him in dis- 
tress, and cut him short of this luxury of benevolence. The 

*This is the same lady who remonstrated with Miss Edgeworth, 
.against the portrait of the Jew, in the story of the " Prussian Vase." 
t Lamb papers, N. Y. His. Soc. 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 353 

death of Mr. Tillinghast was unfortunate to Gen. Lamb, in 
more than one respect. He not only lost a tender, and de- 
voted son, but an able assistant in his business; and one, who 
for perfect knowledge of its details, it was not easy to 
replace. 

During the illness of this gentleman, the business usually 
entrusted to his care, was confided to another, for whose dili- 
gence, and fidelity. Gen. Lamb conceived he had ample war- 
rant. He had, many years before, been importuned to assist 
an Englishman, confined in jail upon a debt; the amount of 
which being large, seemed for ever to exclude the debtor 
from hope of redemption. Upon favorable representations of 
his integrity, and capacity. Gen. Lamb discharged the debt, 
and gave the released captive employment as one of the clerks 
of the Custom House. The industry, and ability which he 
displayed, won the confidence of his employer, and that of 
his substitute, and he was promoted to the most confidential 
station under the Deputy. 

This man, during the illness of Mr. Tillinghast; upon his 
decease ; and until his successor could be sufficiently instructed 
in the knowledge of the business; had been left in charge 
of the whole fiscal concern^, of the department; and in the 
interval of his supervision, had conunenced a system of pecu- 
lation and embezzlement, which was carried on afterwards; 
and by great adroitness, concealed from detection. Suddenly 
he left his employment; and giving out that he had inherited 
a large fortune by the death of a relation in England, he em- 
barked extensively in foreign commerce; set up a coach, and 
launched forth into a luxurious and expensive style of living. 
It was not long after this, that a large deficiency of the funds 
of the Custom House was discovered. 

This disclosure was as astounding to Gen. Lamb, as it was 
agonizing to him and all his friends. The defalcation was 
utterly inexplicable to him; nor could the scrutiny of his as- 
sistants ascertain in what manner it had occurred. No one; 
not even the most bitter of his enemies, doubted the perfect 

45 



354 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

honor and integrity of the collector; and many of these, for- 
getting their political hostility, sympathized in his distress 
on the occasion. It was well known, that the large property 
of Gen. Lamb was amply sufficient to cover quadruple the 
amount of the deficiency; and in order to ascertain the exact 
sum, the agents of the government called to their aid the 
quondam clerk, who had so recently left the office. 

This unprincipled wretch then unravelled a part of his own 
web; and by investigations which he alone could make; ac- 
counts which had been passed by the government were 
opened, and errors detected, by which the defalcation was 
swelled to a much greater amount than was at first discovered. 

At this juncture, Gen. Hamilton and Col. Troup, the most 
formidable of his political opponents, called upon Gen. Lamb, 
and assured him, that if a schedule of his property should be 
given to the government; and its fiscal agents could be con- 
vinced of its availability to discharge the debt; that ample 
time would be given him, to raise the necessary sum. 
This was done; a list of lands, far exceeding in value his 
liability to the Treasury, was given, and he resigned the 
office. 

To make the security of the government the more assured, 
the wealthy friends of Gen. Lamb, oflfcred to take a part of 
the property, and give their individual bonds, on time, to 
the government; and this proposition was acceded to: but 
when each was prepared to give security for the share which 
he was willing to assume, the agent of the government re- 
fused to carry out the arrangement; and required a joint and 
several bond of the parties to be executed. This was not 
complied with: the most summary proce.-s was resorted to; 
and the property was sold by the Marshal, under an execu- 
tion of the government. 

As might have been expected, it was sold at an enormous 
loss. Lands treble the value of the whole debt, were sacri- 
ficed; the family was ruined; and the government claim was 
not yet satisfied. For this, the agents of the government were 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 355 

alone to blame. Their mistaken policy forever put it out ot 
the power of their victim to discharge the deficiency. Messrs. 
Hamilton and Troup did not see their fellow soldier thus 
stripped of his property, without indignation; and both ve- 
hemently condemned the course pursued against him. Others 
of the high-minded and honorable leaders of the party, shared 
in their sympathy: but there were not wanting many, who 
rejoiced in the ruin of so indefatigable an opponent. 

The blow was struck; and Lamb, from affluence and ease, 
was involved in poverty and distress. But the brave veteran 
was not abandoned by his friends and companions in arms. 
The Clintons, Rutgers, Willett, Burr, and others, stood by 
him in all his difficulties, and tendered what consolation was 
afforded by the circumstances: and the grateful condolences 
and sympathies, of many who had shared his bounty in the 
days of prosperity, helped .to soothe him in his adversity. 
But the stroke of fate was given. His constitution had re- 
ceived a severe shock from the agitations which he had 
endured; [and the disease, with which he had so long labored, 
was aggravated by calamity. 

For a long time, he was a martyr to the gout in its most 
distressing form, which kept him prisoner to his house; and 
he was seldom free from paroxysms of alarming nature. 
The frequency of these, admonished him of the approach of 
death; and he prepared calmly for its last and fatal attack. 
This occurred on the 31st of May, 1800: and the indomita- 
ble spirit, which naught human could subdue, bowing sub- 
missively to the chastening of Omnipotence, yielded itself, 
in hope without fear, into the hands of its creator. 

Thus died John Lamb, who for more than thirty years, had 
devoted himself to the service of his country. Few, very 
few men, have acted more manfully the parts which have 
been allotted to them. 

As a pioneer of the great events which wrought out the 
revolution, he was second to none in perseveranee and intre- 
pidity. As a soldier in the field, he was never surpassed in 



356 LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 

valor and constancy, by any, the most daring. As a citizen, 
neighbor, and philanthropist, he was distinguished for 
his public spirit; respected for his suavity; and admired 
for his benevolence. As a husband, father, and friend, he 
was tender, affectionate, and sincere. Deeply indeed was 
he regretted; and the aching void, left in the bosoms of those 
who knew him in correspondent relations, neither time nor 
circumstances could ever fill. 

General Lamb, had been Vice President of the Cincin- 
nati: once while Baron Steuben was President; and after- 
wards under George Clinton. He was borne to the grave, 
in Trinity church yard, followed by the members of that so- 
ciety. He was buried with the military honors which he 
had so well deserved. And the long array of citizens, as 
they attended him to the tomb, attested the respect which 
his virtues, his bravery, and worth, had universally com- 
manded. 

The following obituary notice, ascribed at the time to the 
pen of Dr. Peter Irving, is extracted from Denniston's paper: 

" How sleep the brave ! who sink to rest; 
With all their country's wishes blest. 

On Saturday morning, departed for a better world, our 
much respected fellow citizen, Gen. John Lamb; who, to the 
unbending honor and martial spirit of a soldier — to the un- 
shaken integrity of a real patriot; added the humane and 
benevolent virtues of the true philanthi'opist. 

He distinguished himself throughout our Revolutionary 
struggle. He lost an eye at Quebec, where the gallant, but 
ill fated Montgomery fell! He was otherwise severely 
wounded; was captured, and suffered the hardships of im- 
prisonment, in asserting the cause of freedom and his country. 

General Lamb has from early manhood trod the rugged 
paths of life in public view; and though fortune has not 
smoothed his descent into the vale of years, nor scattered 
roses in his path; yet he has ever preserved a purity of 



I 



LIFE OF JOHN LAMB. 357 

character, which even the breath of detraction has not dared 
to sully. 

Peace be to his ashes ! He is gone into the presence of 
that Being, who will reward his virtues. The blessings of 
misfortune's children, waft his spirit onward: while the tears 
of the veteran patriots who fought and conquered by his 
side, embalm his memory. 



APPENDIX. 



APPENDIX A. 

Memoir of Col. Hugh Hughes, Deputy Quarter-Master-Gen" 
eral of the United States, during the Revolutionary War. 

It too often happens, that meritorious officers, who have 
served their country with singular efficiency in the staff de- 
partments of the army, are overlooked in history; and their 
names are lost in the blaze of glory of those very victories, 
which their services have so much assisted to achieve; and 
without which the ablest General would have been fettered 
in his operations, and his efforts paralyzed. 

A well regulated Commissariat, and Quarter Master's De- 
partment, constitute the soul of an army; and it was in a 
great measure owing to the want of such, that the war of the 
Revolution was so long protracted, and the country so often 
placed in jeopardy, from inability to move its forces upon 
important emergencies. The poverty of the United States 
was one great cause of the deficiencies in the Quarter Mas- 
ter General's department: but its improper constitution; and 
the frequent changes which were made; some of which were 
produced by disgust at the measures of Congress; were mainly 
instrumental in rendering it, at times inoperative, and at no 
time so effective as the exigencies of the service required. 

Of the many officers of the Revolution, who served in the 
armies of America, and by their fidelity and zeal, contributed 



360 APPENDIX. 

to the successful issue of the war, few were more distinguished 
for promptitude and efficiency; and very few have had so 
little justice done to their merits, as Col. Hugh Hughes, 
Deputy Commissary-General of New York, and of the Quar- 
ter-Master's department under Col. Mifflin, and afterwards 
under Col. Pickering. 

This gentleman was of Welch origin, whose ancestors 
emigrated to America at an early period. In the year 1765, 
he warmly opposed the acts of the British Ministry; and al- 
though his brother was appointed Stamp Distributor for 
Pennsylvania, and sought to obtain the same office for his 
son in New Jersey; Hugh Hughes used every effort to put 
down the Stamp Act, and to compel the distributors to resign 
their appointments. And when the Sons of Liberty in No- 
vember, 1765, were determined to force his brother to relin- 
quish his commission; there is little doubt that the persua- 
sives of Mr. Hughes were joined to the coercive arguments 
of the committee of that association, in order to effect the 
renunciation of the Stamp Master. 

At the time of these transactions, Mr. Hughes was a resi- 
dent of New Jersey; but he became not long afterwards an 
inhabitant of New York; and in the year 1766, he taught a 
select grammar school in the consistory room of the French 
church in Nassau street. 

Mr. Hughes was an energetic writer, and although he was 
not a member of the Committee of Vigilance of 1765, he 
used his exertions, and employed his pen in the patriotic 
cause. Among the papers of his daughter Mrs. Stotesbury, 
now in the possession of the honorable Philemon Dickerson 
of New Jersey, were found many letters from Thomas Young, 
(once a member of the Sons of Liberty of Albany; and af- 
terwards of the grand committee of Boston), of date as early 
as the days of the Stamp Act; and there can be no doubt 
that Mr. Hughes, was the ardent cooperator of Lamb, Sears, 
and others, in all their revolutionary movements; and the 
uncompromising opponent of the usurping- ministry. 



APPENDIX. 361 

Mr. Hughes's adherence to the patriotic cause, must have 
been anterior to that of McDougall, whose name is not to be 
found in the early proceedings of the associated, until the 
year 1769; when he become distinctly identified with the 
radical Revolutionists, and was one of the first to offer his 
services to the Provincial Congress at the breaking out of 
the war. 

In this respect, Mr. Hughes was little behind him; and 
the rank which was given him, proves the estimation in 
which he was held by the Provisional Government. On the 
16th of February, 1776, he was appointed to the important 
office of Commissary of Military Stores for New York, by 
the Provincial Convention; and shortly afterwards was made 
Deputy Quarter-Master General of the forces, under the 
head of that department. Col. Mifflin. 

When the army was partly in the city, and partly on 
Long Island, Col. Moylan, the senior Deputy, was selected 
to act as aid to the Commander-in-Chief, and the manage- 
ment of the department entirely devolved upon Col. Hughes, 
who was indefatigable in performing the onerous and re- 
sponsible duties required of him. 

At the battle of Long Island, under his direction, the troops 
were passed over to the Island, as the exigencies of the day 
required. The signal for the dispatch of each detachment, 
being a flag raised on the top of the house at head quarters. 
And after the retreat was determined on, Col. Hughes re- 
ceived by Joseph Trumbull, the Commissary General, a ver- 
bal order from Gen. Washington, to impress every kind of 
water craft from Hellgate on the Sound, to Speyghten Duyvel 
Creek, that could be kept afloat, and that had either sails or 
oars, and have them all in the east harbor of the city by dark. 

Secrecy was enjoined as well as dispatch; and although 
the rendezvous was fifteen miles distant from the anchorage 
of some of the vessels, they were ready for service at the ap- 
pointed time. At noon the order was delivered, and at 
eight o'clock of the evening, such was the celerity of the 
46 



362 APPENDIX. 

movements of those employed, that every thing important to 
the occasion was in readiness, to be placed in the most fa- 
vorable situations to secure the retreat. So judiciously were 
the vessels posted, that no delay or confusion occurred j and 
every material of the army that could possibly be secured, 
was brought off. 

At this alarming crisis, when the fate of the campaign, 
and probably the success of the Revolution, depended upon 
the Quarter-Masters, Col. Hughes never dismounted from 
his horse until ten o'clock the day after the order was given; 
having kept the saddle unremittingly employed for twenty- 
two hours. 

Had not the duties of the Quarter-Master's Department 
been well performed on that day, the army might have been 
lost, or, at least, its artillerv and stores captured; and Wash- 
ington could not have been able to make head against 
the superior force which menaced the city. The opinion of 
of the Commander-in-Chief, in relation to that service, was 
expressed in general orders; and in after times was re- 
iterated in the following letter: 

Mount Vernon, August 22, 1784. 
Sir: 

I have received your letter of the 31st ult, from Philadel- 
phia. My memory is not charged with the particulars of 
the verbal order which you say was delivered to you through 
Col. Joseph Trumbull, on the 27th August, 1776, " for im- 
pressing all the sloops, boats, and water craft from Spyghten 
Duyvel, in the Hudson, to Hell Gate, in the Sound." I re- 
collect very well that it was a day which required the great- 
est exertion, particularly in the Quarter-Master's depart- 
ment, to accomplish the retreat which was intended, under 
cover of the succeeding night; and that no delay or cere- 
mony could be admitted in the execution of the plan. I 
have no doubt, therefore, of your having received orders to 
the effect, and to the extent you have mentioned; and you 
are at liberty to adduce this letter in testimony thereof It 
will, I presume, supply the place of a more formal certificate, 
and is more consonant with my recollection of the transac- 
tions of that day. 



APPENDIX. 363 

It is with pleasure I add that your conduct in the Quarter- 
Master's line, so far as it has come under my view, or to my 
knowledge, was marked with zeal, activity, and intelligence, 
and met my approbation accordingly. 

With grateful thanks for your good wishes, 

I remain, sir. 
Your most obedient, humble servant. 

Go. Washington.* 
Colonel Hugh Hughes. 

Col. Hughes continued Deputy Quarter-Master General as 
long as Col. Mifflin retained his office ; and when Gen. 
Greene assumed the command of the department, he was 
desirous to secure the services of Col. Hughes as assistant, 
as will appear by his letter, of which the following is a 
copy: 

Camp Valley Forge, 31st March, 1778. 
Sir: 

You will probably have heard before this reaches you, of 
my appointment to the office of Quarter-Master General; and 
as I would wish to continue in their respective stations all 

* In a very excellent book, entitled "History of Schoharie County 
and Border Wars of New York," but which contains much history and 
many matters of interest, which do not appear within the scope of its 
title, the following notice is taken of this retreat: 

" The masterly retreat of Gen. Washington with his army across the 
East river, from Brooklyn to New York, is thus related by Major, after- 
wards Col. Benjamin Tallmadge, in his military journal ; ' In the face of 
many difficulties, the Commander-in-Chief so arranged his business that 
on the evening of the 29th of August, by ten o'clock, the troops be- 
gan to retire from the lines, in such a manner that no chasm was made 
in the line ; but as one regiment left their station on guard, the remaining 
troops moved to the right and left, and filled up the vacancies ; while 
Gen. Washington took his station at the Ferry and superintended the 
embarkation of the troops.' 

" Gen. Washington has never received the credit which was due to 
him for this wise and fortunate measure. When the enemy had taken 
possession of the heights opposite to the city, they commenced firing 
from the artillery; and the fleet pretty soon were in motion to take pos- 
session of those waters; had this been done a little earlier, this division 
of our army must inevitably have fallen into their hands." — Simms's His- 
tory, SfC, ^c.,pp. 215, 216. 



364 APPENDIX. 

such officers as I find in the department, whose conduct has 
manifested their fitness for the employment, I should be glad 
to know how you are disposed on that subject, as speedily as 
maybe; and if you are inclined to continue, you will be 
pleased to inform me of the terms and conditions of your for- 
mer appointment; and what are your expectations under the 
new one. In the meantime, I doubt not, you will be careful 
that the business of the department does not sufl^r. Consi- 
derable supplies are expected from the Eastern States, 
which will be directed to your care, particularly from Col. 
Chase and Mr. Benjamin Andrews of Boston, and from Jacob 
Greene, Esq., of Warwick, Rhode Island; which I beg you 
will forward on to the camp, with all possible care and dis- 
patch, as fast as they arrive. 

I am, sir, your most 
Obedient, homble servant, 

Nath. Greene, 
Quarter-Master General. 

Owing to some disgust relative to rank, a fruitful source 
of dissatisfaction, in the staff, as well as the line of the army; 
Colonel Hughes declined the employment; but notwithstand- 
ing, continued to perform all the services required of him by 
General Greene, until his successor could assume his duties. 

Without any intention to disparage the exertions of the 
officer who, in 1780, had charge of the department in the 
Highlands; it will not be deemed invidious to say, that it 
was not so vigorously, or so eflfectually exercised, as when 
under the administration of Colonel Hughes. 

Colonel William Malcom, who had been commander of 
the post of West Point; but on the marching of the array to 
the attack of New York, in August 1780, had been super- 
ceded by Colonel John Lamb, of the artillery; in a letter to 
that gentleman of the 14 August; bitterly complains of 
the want of proper implements at Stoney Point, wherewith 
to construct shelter for the troops while detained there; and 
concludes his letter, " we must have Hughes." 

While in service under Colonel Mifflin, Colonel Hughes, 
in the spring of the year 1777; obtained a furlough in order 



APPENDIX. 365 

to visit his family, then in Connecticut; and happened to be 
in New Haven, where Lamb's artillery companies, under 
Lieutenant-Colonel Oswald, were then stationed, (the com- 
mander of the regiment being at Southington, twenty miles 
north of the city.) Here it was rumored that Tryon, ex- 
Governor of New York, was about to make a descent some- 
where in the state. 

Reports of an armament in the Sound, of formidable ex- 
tent, had for several days, been rife; but the point at which 
the invasion would be made was uncertain. At length, it 
was ascertained that Tryon had landed near Norwalk, and it 
was apprehended that the depot at Danbury, was the object 
of attack. 

As soon as Generals Wooster and Arnold, both residents 
of New Haven, had made their preparations to join General 
Silliman, who commanded the Militia in that quarter; and 
Arnold had ordered Lieutenant-Col. Oswald to march with 
as many companies of Lamb's regiment as were sufficiently 
filled, to the scene of action; Col Hughes, posted to South- 
ington, where Colonel Lamb's family resided; well know- 
ing that his old coadjutor, would participate in his desire to 
meet that mischievous functionary in the field, whose machi- 
nations in the sphere of his former government, they both had 
so much assisted to frustrate. 

In this respect, he was not disappointed; Colonel Lamb 
was as eager for the encounter as himself; and they spurred 
with all haste to join in the affray. They arrived on the 
ground at the time when the last and most obstinate contest, 
that of Compo Hill, was raging. 

Arnold, after having intercepted the retreat of the enemy 
on Norwalk; had pressed the British General so hard, that he 
had ordered the marines of the fleet, and reinforcements of 
troops; whose congregated numbers were nearly equal to 
the whole body of his assailants to his aid; and on the strong 
post of Compo, sustained himself until his fresh men could 
be marched to the front, and his worn out forces relieved. 



2&6 APPENDIX. 

Colonel Hughes sought out Arnold ia the thickest of the 
fight, and offered his services as aid, which \vere gladly- 
accepted; and in that capacity he continued throughout the 
day, bearing orders to different parts of the field; escaping 
unharmed, the severe fire of the enemy. He had the good 
fortune, moreover, to fall in M'ith his friend, Colonel Lamb, 
in a v^^ounded state to help him off the field. 

Throughout the campaign of 1777, he was indefatigable 
in the discharge of his arduous duties; obeying exactions 
from every quarter; and the army under Lord Sterling in the 
south, and that of Schuyler in the north, were both indebted 
to his exertions. After the battle of Bemus's Height, on the 
19th September; the depot of the army at Albany, being ex- 
hausted. Gen. Arnold sent pressing requisitions for supplies 
of bread; and the celerity with which this order was obeyed 
by Colonel Hughes, was equalled alone by the promptitude 
by which he secured the retreat of the army from Long Is- 
land. In less than twenty-four hours after the order was 
received at Peekskill; three hundred casks of bread reached 
Albany; and fearful that adverse winds might detain this 
supply on the river; an adequate quantity, was despatched 
by land from Sharon, in order to provide against casualties. 

These provisions reached the army very opportunely; as 
there were not a day's rations in camp, at the time of their 
delivery. And but for this timely supply, the army, instead 
of being able to gain the important victory of the 7th of Oc- 
tober, would have been compelled to retire before the 
enemy. 

On a certain occasion, the date of which is not now re- 
collected, a British vessel, loaded w^th intrenching tools and 
other munitions, was taken by an American Privateer, and 
her lading, after condemnation in our Court of Admiralty had 
been ordered to be sold. Colonel Hughes applied to the 
head of the department for orders to purchase a large por- 
tion of the cargo, and for funds to enable him to do so, but 
received for answer that there were no funds disposable for 
that object. 



APPENDIX. 367 

So confident was Colonel Hughes, that in an early stage 
of the campaign these articles would be found indispensible, 
that he raised funds by means of loans of his friends, among 
whom was Governor George Clinton, and purchased as many 
of the necessary implements as he was able. It \yas not long 
afterwards when articles of this kind were found to be requi- 
site; and few being in the market, the public were supplied 
by Colonel Hughes, without any advance in cost, although 
the market price had risen fifty per cent, after his purchases. 

Some of his friends thought him over liberal to the go- 
vernment in not claiming from it the full value of his sup- 
plies; but he disclaimed all idea of speculating upon the ne- 
cessities of the army. In after times he was made to feel 
that the public generosity was not commensurate with his 
own, and that even its justice might be fruitlessly invoked. 

When Colonel Pickering was made Quarter Master Gen- 
eral, in 1780; he urged Colonel Hughes to resume the com- 
mand he had relinquished in May, 1778; and as the oflficer 
who had outranked him at that period, had accepted the ap- 
pointment of agent of the state of New York; he returned to 
the duties of the Quarter Master department. And on the 
31st August, 1780, he received from Col. Pickering a letter 
of which the following is an extract : 

" These principles, have naturally led me to offer, and to 
request your acceptance of the office of Deputy Quarter Mas- 
ter of the state of New York, under the new plan for con- 
ducting the Quarter Master General's Department. This 
office in so considerable a state, and which is the scene of 
war, demands a gentleman of capacity to fill it." 

This command was accepted, and Col. Hughes continued 
to serve in a double capacity, until the close of the year 1781, 
when he relmquished the first, in order the more closely to 
devote himself to the duties of the second appointment. On 
this occasion, general orders were issued by the Commander- 
in-Chief, of which the following is an extract : 



368 APPENDIX. 

Head Quarters, Highlands, 

December 6, 1781. 

Col. Hug-h Hughes, having resigned his appointment of 
Deputy Quarter-Master to the army, the General returns him 
his hearty thanks for his attention to, and discharge of the 
several duties of his office, while in service, under innumera- 
ble embarrassments. Col. Hughes still retains his office of 
Deputy Quarter ^Master for the state of New York. ^ 

H. Sew ALL, 

Aid-de-Camp. 

While acting in this capacity, he went from Peekskill to 
Albany, with funds of the department, in order to provide 
boards for quarters for the army at, and near West Point; 
and arriving at the ferry, on the east side of the river, after 
the ferrymen had withdrawn their boats for the night, he 
fastened his horse, and went in search of means of convey- 
ance across the river. During his absence his saddle bags 
were rifled, and the money, nearly fifteen hundred dollars, 
stolen; a loss which occasioned him much inconvenience af- 
terwards. 

Col. Hughes continued to perform the important functions 
of his office throughout the war, and until the office was abol- 
ished in 1783. In January, 1784, he was elected to the As- 
sembly, from the city of New York, with .John Lamb, Mari- 
nus Willett, William Malcom, and others of his old asso- 
ciates, anterior to, and during the war. He was with Mr. 
Lamb, associated with John Lansing, Jr., the member from 
Albany, as a Committee to draft an answer to the Governor's 
address to the Assembly, and he continued in the Legislature 
until the end of the session. 

On the bill more effectually restraining the returned Loy- 
alists, and to impose a test oath on all such as should offer 
their votes at the polls; Col. Hughes voted with that party, 
who, during the war, fought for Liberty, and a Republican 
form of government ; consequently he was opposed by those 
who merely sought to bring about a separation from the 
Mother Country, without much innovation of her political 



APPENDIX. 369 

institutions, and ever, during his life time, he adhered to the 
party of George Clinton, who was the leader of those who 
held similar opinions to his own. 

The infirmities produced by the severe duties of his depart- 
ment, induced him to retire from the city, and he rented 
a farm at Yonkers, the property of his friend Col. Lamb; 
and there, in order to gratify attachments, formed in early 
life, and which in generous minds are undying, he undertook 
the charge of the younger children of his friend, and the 
present Gen. Anthony Lamb, of New York, was many years 
an inmate of his family; and at a later period, from the same 
benevolent impulse, the children of Maj. Charles Tillinghast, 
his deceased assistant in the Quarter-Master's department, 
throughoiit the whole period of his service, were permitted 
to enjoy the same advantage, and to this hour, they acknow- 
ledge with gratitude, the paternal care of their affectionate, 
and venerable friend. 

Col. Hughes had made efforts to settle his accounts with 
the war department, but such was the pressure of business 
upon those employed in that bureau, that he was unable to 
effect it. Another attempt was made in the fall of 1788, but 
still his accounts could not be adjusted. On the 22d Janu- 
ary, 1789, at a time when he was absent from home, a fire 
broke out in the house he occupied, which being remote from 
inhabitants, obtained such ascendency before assistance could 
arrive, that it baffled the exertions of the members of his 
household to arrest its progress, and all the important papers 
of Col. Hughes, together with his accounts, and vouchers, 
were consumed; depriving him of the means of proving the 
indebtedness of the government for his services and expenses, 
which amounted to nearly nine thousand dollars. 

Col, Hughes made afterwards several efforts to procure 
from the officers of the government, the just settlement of 
his accounts; the loss of the vouchers of which, had been 
owing to former delays on their part; and he offered to sup- 
ply the evidence necessary to establish his claims, as well as 

47 



370 APPENDIX. 

circumstances would admit of; but the too rigid construction 
of the laws by the government officials, shut out the equity 
of his demands, and threw him upon the action of Congress 
for redress. 

Accordingly, in 1793, he presented a memorial to that 
body, stating his claims, and the nature, and extent of the 
services he had rendered the army, in the most trying con- 
junctures of the war; to which he appended the letters of 
Gen. Washington, and Greene, heretofore quoted, as well as 
other testimonials of his merits : among which were certifi- 
cates from General James Clinton, Parsons, and Gates, to- 
gether with others from Col. Pickering, the principal of the 
department, with whom he had last served. These were 
backed by a letter from George Clinton, the Governor of 
New York, whose friendship for Col. Hughes, began anterior 
to the war, knew no abatement so long as its object survived. 

But every effort to obtain justice from Congress was un- 
availing, and three days after his return from the last fruitless 
journey to Washington, disappointment, and its concomi- 
tants, hastened the ravages of a disease contracted in the 
public service, and he died at Tappan, on the 15th March, 
]802, in the seventy-fifth year of his age. 

Col. Hughes was a man of spotless integrity, and unsullied 
honor; sagacious to discern the right, and inflexible in his 
determination to pursue it. His fortitude in the most trying 
times was never shaken, and in physical, and moral courage, 
he was exceeded by none. His attachments were imperish- 
able; and no change of circumstances, or mutability of for- 
tune, could weaken his friendships, so long as their objects 
were deserving. He survived most of his revolutionary co- 
adjutors, and in the close of his life, was made to realize the 
ingratitude of the government, which at the hazard of that 
life, and the sacrifice of his fortunes, he had assisted to es- 
tablish. 

Two sons of Col. Hughes were in the army of the Revo- 
lution, and both served on the staff of Major Generals, in the 



APPENDIX. 371 

memorable campaign of 1777. The eldest, Peter, was aid 
to Gen. Arnold, and bore his orders to various parts of the 
field, in the battles of the 19th September, and the 7th Oc- 
tober. He often, in his narrations of the last fight, confinned 
the reports circulated at the time, and currently believed, 
that Arnold, actuated by a stern necessity, pointed out Gen. 
Fraser to Morgan, as the greatest obstacle to the success of 
his manoeuvres, and that that designation, resulted in the 
death of the gallant British General. 

James Miles Hughes, the younger son, served as aid to 
Gen. Gates, so long as his own service with the army con- 
tinued. Before the termination of hostilities, he commenced 
the study of the law, and was for many years a practitioner 
in the city of New York, where he was extensively known 
as one of the public notaries of the state. He left two daugh- 
ters, who both died without issue. 

Peter, the eldest son, was for many years Clerk of the 
county of Cayuga, in New York, and left at his decease, 
children of both sexes, none of whom survive; but several 
grand children are yet living, one of which, Jasper Hughes, 
is a resident of the city of New York. 

The family of Col. Hughes is still farther renewed in the 
children of the Hon. Philemon Dickerson, of Patterson, New 
Jersey, not long since a representative in Congress, and sub- 
sequently Governor of that state; who married Sidney Stotes- 
bury, grand daughter of Col. Hughes. 

Mrs. Dickinson was the daughter of Captain Stotesbury, 
a very brave oflScer of dragoons, who, in one of the cavalry 
actions, fought during the war, against a superior force of 
the enemy, after receiving several severe sabre cuts on the 
head, was thrown from the saddle, and fell beneath his horse. 
Here he remained^ trampled under the feet of the squadrons 
contending above him, until the fight was over. He was 
then drawn from the heaps of dead, and wounded, with frac- 
tured limbs, and bleeding from his numerous hurts. It seemed 
impossible to his friends that he could survive; but to their 



372 APPENDIX. 

great joy, and the surprise of the surgeon, he recovered. His 
face and head, however, bore ever afterwards, the marks of 
this desperate rencounter. 



APPENDIX B. 

Extracted Jrom the American Archives. 

1775, Gov. Tryon continued to prorogue the Assembly from 
time to time, and to carry on his intrigues with the Loyalists, 
preparatory to the organization of a military force, to be com- 
posed of those citizens, in order to enforce the orders of the 
ministerial party. It was not long before their designs be- 
came known to the patriots, and a determination was formed 
in the Continental Congress to secure his person. 

Apprehending this arrest, he addressed the corporation, 

Oct. 13. calling upon that body to protect him, and advising 
them, that if the design against his person should prevail, that 
the fleet would demand him, and in the event of a refusal to 
14. release him, would bombard the city. He requested 
the corporation to take the sense of the citizens, relative to 
his stay among them; and if they were averse to his remain- 

17. ing, he would retire on board the Asia. The corpo 

18. ration replied, that no danger to his person need be 
apprehended, and requested him to remain. The Committee 
of One Hundred, assured him that no motion to seize him 
had been agitated in the Provincial Congress. They hoped 
much from his mediation with the Ministry, and urged him to 
stay, and farther said; " that he might rest assured, of all that 
protection from us, and our fellow citizens, which will be con- 
sistent with the great principle of our safety^and preservation." 

These representations proved unconvincing, and the Go- 
oct. 19. vernor replied from on board the Halifax packet, that 
he was not satisfied with the assurance, either of the Corpora- 
tion, or of the Committee. Thenceforth the public business 



APPENDIX. 373 

was transacted on board some vessel in the harbor. From the 
1775 ship Dutchess of Gordon, he informs the Corporation, 
Dec. 4. that he has His Majesty's permission to withdraw from 
his government whenever exigencies might make such a 
course expedient j and some days afterwards, he enclosed to 
18. the Corporation the letter of Captain H. Parker, of His 
Majesty's ship Phoenix, declaring that " if any body of men 
are raised, or any fortifications thrown up, or any magazines 
attempted, he has orders to treat them as in open rebellion 
23 against the King." Five days afterwards, the Governor 
farther prorogued the Assembly to the first of February; and 
1776. that proclamation was shortly followed by another, 
Jan. 2. dissolving them, and the issuing of writs for the elec- 
tion of a new Assembly, on the first of February. This elec- 
tion never took place. The Committee of Public Safety, not- 
8. notwithstanding the threat of the Captain of the Phoenix, 
resolved that Gen. Lee's troops should march into the city, 
and occupy the barracks; and accordingly that General 
Feb. 5. marched in, and took possession of the city. On the 
same day. Sir Henry Clinton arrived in the Mercury fri- 
gate. The Committee refused supplies to the Mercury, and 
6. serious fears were entertained that a bombardment would 
follow the refusal; the records of the government were 
removed to the house of Alderman Nicholas Bayard, in the 
11. out ward; and not long afterwards, the Governor de- 
parted to the Quarantine at Staten Island, to mature his grand 
design, which is shadowed forth in the following extract of 
a letter from Gen. Gage to the Earl of Dartmouth, dated 
Boston, 16th January, 1776. " He, [Tryon,] seems positive 
of being able to raise two thousand men, upon the arrival of 
the army in New York, who may be rendered very useful, 
if accompanied by his personal services in the field." On 
his return to the city, after its evacuation by the Americans, 
in August, he devoted himself to his military functions; and 
in the organization of the corps of Loyalists above alluded 
to, of which he was appointed Major-General. 



374 APPENDIX. 

APPENDIX C. 
From American Archives. 

An extract of a letter from Captain Lamb to a friend in 
New York, taken from the American Archives, third vol- 
ume, fourth series, page 1343, gives a detail of the surrender, 
which is as follows : 

" St. Johns, November 3, 1775. 

" I have the pleasure to inform you, that I had the honor 
of marching into, and taking possession of this fortress, at 
the head of my company, and about two hundred men from 
the different corps of which our army is composed, about 
nine o'clock this morning; when the garrison, consisting of 
about six hundred men, marched out, and grounded their 
arms on the plains to the westward of the fort, (agreeable to 
the terms of the enclosed capitulation,) and were embarked 
in batteaux for Captain Mead's encampment; and from thence 
to be sent under guard as speedily as possible, for Ticonde- 
roga, Connecticut, or any other place which the Continental 
Congress may direct. I most sincerely congratulate you on 
this most fortunate event; which in my opinion will be a 
most fatal stab to the hellish machinations of the foes of free- 
dom, as it will facilitate the reduction of Canada, and secure 
the Canadians in our favor. 

" We have taken in the fort a considerable quantity of ar- 
tillery stores, among which are seventeen pieces of excellent 
brass artillery, two of them twenty-four pounders; the rest 
of them field pieces, two royal howitzers, several mortars, 
cohorns, and a considerable number of iron cannon. There 
were in the garrison about five hundred regular troops, the 
rest were composed of Canadian volunteers, among whom 
are many of their noblesse, who I believe are, from appear- 
ances, on the stool of repentance. And as you are fond of 
knowing how we have proceeded in carrying on the siege 
of this place since my last, I will give you a detail of the 
particular operations since that period. 

" On Saturday, the 28th ultimo, the main body of the 
army decamped from the south, and marched to the north 
side of the fort, under the command of General Wooster. 
We were joined in the evening by General Montgomery; 



APPENDIX. 375 

and the same night we began to throw up a breast-work, 
(on an eminence which entirely commanded the enemy's 
works) in order to erect a battery of cannon and mortars: 
this battery they kept continually pelting at with grape shot 
and shells, but without doing us the least injury, until Wed- 
nesday morning, when we opened our battery, consisting of 
three twelves, and one nine pounder, three mortars, and as 
many cohorns, with which we kept an almost incessant blaze 
on them a great part of the day — and likewise from our bat- 
tery on the east side of the river; which the enemy returned 
with the greatest spirit. 

" Late in the afternoon, I received a message from General 
Montgomery, ordering me to cease firing until further orders. 
These orders were extremely disagreeable tome, when I saw 
some of my men bleeding before my eyes, and dying of the 
wounds they had received. 

" On our ceasing to fire, the general ordered a parley to 
be beat, and sent an officer to demand a surrender of the fort. 
Two officers soon after returned with him, and were led 
blindfolded through the camp to the General's tent, where a 
pretty long conference was held; and they promised the Gen- 
eral an answer from the commanding officer the next morn- 
ing, which was complied with. The answer imported that 
if they should receive no relief within four days, he would 
then send in some proposals. The General replied that he 
must have an explicit answer next morning, and that the gar- 
rison must remain prisoners of war at all events; and if they 
had any intention to renew hostilities, they need only sig- 
nify it by firing a gun as a signal. This, though very un- 
palatable, they were at length obliged to digest, as you see 
by the capitulation. 

" You will readily excuse the incorrectness of this scrawl, 
when I inform you it is now past one o'clock in the morning; 
having had no time to write before, as I have been all day 
at the fort, examining the stores, and we are to begin our 
march for Montreal this morning; and my fingers and sen- 
ses are so benumbed with cold, that I can scarcely write at 
all, owing to a north-easterly wind and plenty of snow, 
which is now falling in abundance; yet, notwithstanding, I 
am not so senseless or ungrateful as to forget my friend. I 
am yours, etc., etc. 

" P. S. My little company has been rather unfortunate, as 
I have had five killed ; four by the enemy and one by acci- 
dent — six wounded, one died by sickness — which is as great 



376 APPENDIX. 

a loss as has been sustained by the whole army, except in the 
first skirmish with the Indians, etc. ; but this is what we must 
naturally expect, as the post of honor ever is the post of 
danger." 

Such is the real history of the capture of Fort St. John; 
but in the same publication from which most of the facts in 
relation to the siege are taken, there will be found au- 
thorities of quite a different import; and if the colonial re- 
cords of New Hampshire were to be consulted, and their 
contents relied upon; some future historian will claim in be- 
half of that province, the entire merit of the success which, 
after a siege of two months, crowned the arms of the revo- 
lutionists. 



APPENDIX D. 

As Smith's narrative is not easy to be met with, the fol- 
lowing extract from it may be interesting. It comprises 
from 16th to 37th page of the London copy. 

" My house was situated on the nearest route, where all 
communications generally passed from the eastern and south- 
ern States, across the ferry at Stoney Point, about 18 miles 
below West Point. Gen. Arnold's residence, while com- 
manding the garrison, was at the house and farm of Col. 
Beverly Robinson, who had relinquished them and joined 
the royal army at New York. This residence was situated 
on the eastern side of the Hudson; a dreary situation, envi- 
roned with mountains, and no way calculated for the resi- 
dence of a lady of Mrs. Arnold's taste; she being well quali- 
fied from a most amiable disposition, and very engaging at- 
tractions, to be, at once the example and ornament of the po- 
litest circles. Being at that time but recently returned from 
Charleston, South Carolina, with my family, Mrs. Smith was 
equally destitute of the society which each had been accus- 



APPENDIX. 377 

tomecl to, in their respective cities. The intercourse by land 
or water, from West Point to Stoney Point, in the summer 
season, was easily attained; they were therefore engaged in 
frequent visits to each other; and General Arnold was as 
frequently with me, in search of those culinary supplies, un- 
attainable in his mountain recesses. I felt myself happy in 
rendering him every aid in my power; and cultivated his 
acquaintance from motives of security; for in my absence 
from the State of New York, my family in general were sus- 
pected of disaffection to the American cause; my eldest 
brother, the late Chief Justice of Canada, having been 
banished within the British lines at New York, for his 
unequivocal attachment to the English government. An- 
other brother, who was generally deemed an enemy to the 
revolution, and myself, were also more than suspected of 
being in the British interest, from the circumstance of my 
being appointed with two other gentlemen, of the county of 
Orange, a Doctor But water and Col. Sherrod (by a very 
large majority of the electors of that county), to oppose in 
the convention of delegates of the different counties of the 
province in 1776, the measure of independence then recom- 
mended and adopted by Congress. Indeed, such was the 
jealousy of the times, that to be descended from English 
parentage, or to possess any lukewarmness in the rash and 
intemperate measures that the demagogues of the mob chose 
to dictate, w^as sufficient to render the tenure of life, liberty, 
and property most precarious. 

From the elevated situation I possessed, commanding an 
extensive view of the capacious Bay of Haverstraw, at this 
part of the river five miles wide, I frequently observed flags 
of truce, passing and repassing;* and I took the liberty of re- 
questing to know from General Arnold, if there was any im- 
propriety in the simple interrogation, whether the flags were 
for an exchange of prisoners by cartel? He answered gene- 
rally, that in a short time the business of the flags would be 

* This was early in Sept., 1780. 

48 



378 APPENDIX. 

explained. Soon afterwards, it was mentioned at dinner by- 
General Arnold, that the flags had brought letters from Colo- 
nel Beverly Robinson, who General Arnold said, was very 
anxious to make terms for the recovery of his estates that 
had been confiscated to the public use, and that Colonel 
Robinson was authorized to propose through his medium, 
some ]>iieliminary grounds for an accomodation between 
Great Britian and America. Colonel Lamb of the artillery 
at West Point, an old and sagacious officer, who with a 
number of other officers of the garrison, was present at din- 
ner, immediately said, that any proposition of that kindought 
with more propriety, to be made to Congress, than to a 
General only commanding a district. General Arnold re- 
plied, that the communication must at first be made through 
some channel, and here the conversation ended. 

Sometime afterwards, General Arnold, in another visit, 
seemed more communicative; he expressed his detestation of 
the French alliance from the perfidiousness of their national 
character; ridiculed the solecism and inconsistency of an ab- 
solute monarch, being the ally of a people contending for 
fi'eedom, who kept his OM'n subjects in the most despotic 
and absolute slaveiy; thought it was an unnatural union of no 
duration; and that it was not made by France, until she saw 
the Americans were able to defend themselves, which would 
be more for their own national glory. Gen. Arnold then 
mentioned, that he had received another flag of truce, and 
that Colonel Beverly Robinson had anxiously solicited an in- 
terview, to be more explanatory of the propositions that were 
to produce, if acceded to by Congress, a general peace; and 
happily terminate the expense of blood and treasure, that 
were ruinous to both countries, in the prosecution of a war 
without an object. He said he conceived that the overtures 
made on the part of Great Britian by her Commissioners, the 
Earl of Carlisle, Governor Johnston, and Mr. Eden, (now 
Lo]d Auckland), were founded in all sincerity and good 
faith; that they fully met ihe ultimatum that the generality 
of the Americans desired, but by what he could learn from 



APPENDfX. 379 

Colonel Robinson, the present terms held out, went much 
farther than the propositions of 1778; and he made no doubt 
that they would be the basis of an honorable peace. This 
event, he said, he most cordially wished, being heartily tired 
of the war; and he then complained of being ill used by 
Congress, and the executive of Pennsylvania, which had 
treated him with injustice, in not sufficiently estimating his 

SERVICES.* 

I requested to know from Gen. Arnold if he had informed 
Gen. Washington of Col. Robinson's applications, and wnat 
was the General's opinion of the business? He answered 
that he had written to him for directions how to act; but 
that he was then gone to Connecticut or Rhode Island on a 
visit to Count Rochambeau, the Commander-in-Chief of the 
French troops, lately arrived from France. 

Soon after this conversation, I accompanied my family on 
a visit to Fishkill, a settlement about 18 miles higher up 
from Robinson's house, where I left them; and stopping at 
Gen. Arnold's quarters on ray return, agreeably to his parti- 
cular request, he solicited me to conduct a flag of truce to 
the Vulture sloop of war, then lying in Haverstraw Bay, 
for the purpose of bringing Col. Robinson to the intended 
interview. I was so deeply interested in the object of this 
meeting, as represented to me by Gen. Arnold, and the suc- 
cess of it was so congenial to my wnshes, that I made no 
hesitation to assure him of my cheerful concurrence; and in 
a day or two afterwards. Gen. Arnold came to my house, at 
Haverstraw, with the necessary passports Jor my m,ission to 
the Vulture. 

Having Aim^e//" made the necessary arrangements, such as 

* At the time of this interview, General Arnold was at my house, and 
in the familiarity of conversation, he expressed himself as follows: — 
Smith, here I am, after having fought the battles of my country, and 
find myself with a ruined constitution, and this limb, (holding up his 
wounded leg) now rendered useless to me. At the termination of this 
war, where can I seek for compensation for such damages as I have sus- 
tained? 



380 APPENDIX. 

providing a boat from the Quarter-Master, Major Kiers, at 
Stoney Point, with every publicity, I was surprised that he 
should request me to go in the night. He begged me to pro- 
cure for him hands from among my tenants, that had been 
used to the water. I stated to him the impropriety of con- 
ducting a flag in a manner which I deemed unprecedented; 
but he overruled my objection by assurances that it was pro- 
perly understood on hoard the Vulture, and that the business 
was of a nature not to be generally known, for the present, 
among the citizens. Having made the promise, I could not 
recede, and with much reluctance, I consented to go; but he 
had great difficulty to persuade my tenants to accompany 
me, as they were intimidated by the danger of the under- 
taking by night; nor would they have consented, although 
promised handsome pay, and menaced with confinement for 
their non-compliance, if I had not appeared willing to coun- 
tenance the measure, assuring them that it was, in my opin- 
ion, for the good of the country, which, upon the represent- 
ations of Gen. Arnold, were my real sentiments. 

Accordingly Gen. Arnold had given the order for muffling 
the oars, that we might not be impeded by the boats that 
guarded the shores; a precaution necessary, as there was a 
regular water patrol, to prevent those disaffected to the 
American interest, or tories, as the friends of the royal cause 
were called, from carrying provisions or intelligence to the 
British ships occasionally lying in the river. This precau- 
tion, however, staggered the confidence of the eldest 
of the watermen, who bluntly told Gen. Arnold that, if the 
business was of a fair and upright nature, as he assured them 
it w'as, he saw no necessity for any disguise; or to seize the 
veil of night to execute that which might as well be trans- 
acted in broad day light. The watermen were simple, hon- 
est, had been accustomed to their occupation, and were my 
tenants, in whom I could place the utmost confidence; and it 
afterwards appeared, I was not deceived. Gen. Arnold in- 
sisted on their pursuing the business, and assured them he 



APPENDIX. 381 

he had the command of the militia of the country for sixty 
miles round West Point, by order of Congress, and that he 
loould give a countersign to the guard boats that we might 
'pass itnmolested. 

The countersign given was Congress; thus arranged, no 
further hesitation was made to gain the Vulture, then lying 
at the extremity of Haverstraw Bay. The night was se- 
rene, the tide favorable, and the silent manner in which we 
passed the fort at Stoney Point, at the mouth of Haverstraw 
creek, precluded any obstructions; in short, although the 
distance was nearly 12 miles, we soon reached the ship. 
On our approach, we were hailed by the centinel on deck, 
ordered to bring to, and questioned whither bound? I an- 
swered, with a flag of truce to the Vulture, Sloop of war; up- 
on which, I was heartily assailed with a volley of oaths, all 
in the peculiarity of sea language, by the officer command- 
ing the watch on the quarter deck, and commanded instantly 
to haul along side, or he would blow us out of the water. 
Upon coming along side, I was saluted by another discharge 
of the same nautical eloquence, and orders were given to 
hoist th« rebel rascal on board, which was prevented by my 
climbing up a rope fastened to the main chains, and so 
reaching the main deck. I was questioned as to my business, 
and how I could presume to come on board His Majesty's 
ship under color of a flag of truce, at night? To which, I 
answered, I was so authorized by my papers, which I re- 
quested he would give to Capt. Sutherland, the commander 
of the ship, and Col. Robinson, as I knew they were on 
board. This request, however, seemed to have no effect; but 
he poured on me torrents of abuse, threatening to hang me 
at the yard arm, as he said another rebel had been a few 
days before. Being, nevertheless, unintimidated, and seeing 
Col. Robinson and the Captain, for whom I had letters, I 
raised my voice, and said he must be answerable for my be- 
ing delayed. Whether I was heard in the cabin or not, I 
can not say, but soon afterwards a boy came on deck and said. 



382 APPENDIX. 

^' the Captain orders the man below.'^ He conducted me 
into the cabin, where, on my entrance, I saw a venerable 
looking gentlemen, whom I recognized to be Col. Beverly 
Robinson, dressed in a regimental uniform. He received 
me politely, desired me to be seated, and, shortly, introduced 
me to Capt. Sutherland, who lay ill in his berth. Col. Be- 
verly Robinson, having perused the letter from Gen. Arnold, 
apologized for retiring a few minutes, ordering some refresh- 
ment, and left me to converse with Capt. Sutherland, to 
whom I related my uncourtly reception on deck; and his ur- 
banity, compensated me for the incivility of his officer on 
deck. Having conversed with Capt. Sutherland for twenty 
minutes on inditFerent subjects. Col. Robinson returned and 
introduced Mr. Anderson to me, saying he was mentioned in 
Gen. Arnold's letter, for whom he had sent a pass to come 
on shore, in case he. Col. Robinson, should be unable to 
accompany me. Col. Robinson pleaded indisposition and 
said Mr. Anderson could as effectually answer all purposes 
by going on shore as himself. There seemed no reluc- 
tance on the part of Anderson to supply Col. Robinson's 
place, and he appeared in a dress equipped for the purpose; 
wearing boots and a large blue great coat. For my own 
part, it made no difference to me who bore me company; 
so that the object of my mission was fully answered, and 
the great national ends obtained, which Arnold assured me 
would be the result of the affair. 

Mr. Anderson being ready, we left the ship; and we 
rowed in a short time to the western shore, to the place 
which Gen. Arnold had appointed for the interview; this 
was at the foot of the Long Clove, near the low water mark, 
whither my servant had conducted Gen. Arnold on horse- 
back, he being still lame from his wounds. 

Very little conversation passed between Mr. Anderson 
and myself, excepting trivial remaiks about the tide, the 
weather, and matters of no concern. Mr. Anderson, from 
his youthful appearance and the softness of his manners, did 



APPENDIX. 383 

not seem to me qualified for a business of such moment; 
his nature seemed fraught with the milk of human kindness. 
On my approach to the place of appointment, I found Gen. 
Arnold ready to receive me; he was hid among the firs. I 
mentioned to him Col, Beverly Robinson's reason for not ac- 
companying me; and the delegation of a young gentleman, 
a Mr. Anderson, whom I had brought with me, and who was 
then with the watermen on the Strand. He appeared much 
agitated, and expressed chagrin at the disappointment of not 
seeing Col. Robinson. He desired me, however, to conduct 
Mr. Anderson to him, which being- done, he requested me to 
remain with the hands at the boat. I went as directed, but 
felt greatly mortified at not being present at the interview, 
to which I conceived myself entitled, from my rank in life, 
and the trouble I had taken to effect the meeting. At length, 
they continued such a time in conference, that I deemed it 
expedient to inlbrm them of the approaching dawn of day. 
Shortly aftei'wards both came down to the boat, and Gen. 
Arnold, with much earnestness, solicted me to return with 
Mr. Anderson to the Vulture; but I pointed out the imprac- 
ticability of eflfecting his wish, from the great distance, and 
the fatigue of the hands. He then applied to the men, who 
declared themselves unable to gratify his wish, through want 
of strength to accomplish it, and the ebb tide against them. 
Convinced of the apparent impracticability of the attempt to 
reach the ship, and return before day, without being disco- 
vered from either shore by the inhabitants, whose eyes were 
constantly watching the movements on the river, not only 
from the forts, but the surrounding shores; he relinquished 
his solicitations, and desired I would endeavor to return the 
boat to the place from whence we first embarked; this, with 
much labor, and taking the circuit of the eddies, was nearly 
effected, (as we left the boat at Crane's Island,) when our 
attention was called to the cannonade from Gallows Point 
against the Vulture, which was compelled to fall down the 
river, and appeared to be set on fire. Col. Livingston, how- 



384 APPENDIX. 

ever, must have been totally unacquainted with Gen. Arnold's 
designs, or he never would have fired at that time upon the 

ship. 

I will here request the candid and liberal reader, to judge 
whether any man in his senses, would, or would not, have 
refused to carry Mr. Anderson back to the Vulture, if he 
knew the extent of Gen. Arnold's plot, and the danger to 
which he was exposed, in case of discovery. If the purport 
of the interview had been fully accomplished, why could not 
Gen. Arnold have given me a flag to carry this gentleman 
on board the Vulture? The fact is, he had not recovered the 
trepidation into which he was thrown, on Mr. Anderson's 
first landing, from what cause, let the reader form his own 
opinion. Julius Caesar did not discover more intrepidity 
than Gen. Arnold, who, in the many actions in which he was 
engaged, never retired without some scar, or wound, as ho- 
norable testimonies of bravery. 

On ray return home, I found that Gen. Arnold, and Mr. 
Anderson had arrived long before. Mr. Anderson having 
mounted the horse my servant had rode, when he followed 
Gen. Arnold to the Long Clove, the place of Anderson's land- 
ino-. He appeared vexed that the ship had been compelled 
to leave her position, and after taking breakfast, and my 
ague coming on, it being the day of its return, I was obliged 
to retire, as well on that account, as to recover from the fa- 
tigue of the night, so that Gen. Arnold, and Mr. Anderson 
were left alone the far greater part of the day. The conver- 
sation at breakfast was principally about the airival of the 
fleet at New York, under the command of Admiral Arbuth- 
not; the general health, and spirit of the British array, and 
other desultory topics, of no consequence. Towards evening, 
Arnold came to my house, and proposed that I should convey 
Mr. Anderson back to the Vulture, which had nearly regained 
her former situation ; he saw, however, from the state of sick- 
ness under which I then labored, with a fit of the ague upon 
me, that I was unable to gratify him, on which he proposed 



APPENDIX. 385 

my accompanying him part of the way, on his return to New 
York by land, as soon as my health would permit, on the re- 
moval of my ague fit; to which I made no objection, as when 
better, it would be on my way, to visit and bring home my 
family from Fishkill, being obliged to cross the river for that 
purpose. He soon after returned, and told me a difficulty 
had occurred, of which he was not before apprised; for that 
Anderson had come on shore in a military dress, which he 
had borrowed from an officer of his acquaintance at New 
York; that, as it would be impossible for him to travel in 
that uniform, he requested the loan of one of my coats. Be- 
ing nearly of my size, I lent him a coat; the other parts of 
his dress did not require change. Gen. Arnold then proposed 
returning to his command at West Point; leaving Mr. An- 
derson very disconsolate with me. I endeavored to amuse 
him by showing him the prospect from the upper part of my 
house, from whence there was an extensive view over the 
capacious bay of Haverstraw to the opposite shore; he 
cast an anxious look towards the Vulture, and with a heavy 
sigh, wished he was on board. I endeavored to console him, 
by the hope of his being at the White Plains, or New Yorky 
before her. Finding myself better, I promised to accompany 
him on his way. I could not help remarking to him, that I 
thought the General might have ordered a flag of truce from 
Stoney Point, to have returned him to the Vulture, without 
the fatigue of his going to the White Plains; that, appear^ 
ing to me, a circuitous route, unless he had business to trans- 
act at that place, of a public nature. From this time he 
seemed shy, and desirous to avoid much conversation. He 
continued to urge preparations for his departure, and care- 
fully avoided being seen by persons that came to the house. 
Previous to his quitting it, Gen. Arnold had prepared a pass- 
port for him to go to the White Plains, and a flag of truce, 
fpr me tp go thither, and return- 



49 



386 APPENDIX. 



APPENDIX E. 



Brigade order, Oct. 8, 1781. 

A field officer of artillery will be appointed every day to 
command in the trenches, to be relieved every twenty-four 
hours. He will pointedly attend that the fire is well directed 
according to the object; and that the utmost coolness and 
regularity is observed. 

The officers of artillery in the batteries are to level every 
piece themselves. 
General after orders Oct. 20. 

The General congratulates the army upon the glorious 
events of yesterday. 

The generous proofs which his most Christian Majesty has 
given of his attachment to the cause of America, must force 
conviction on the minds of the most deceived among the 
enemy, relative to the good consequences of the alliance, and 
inspire every citizen of these States with sentiments of most 
unalterable gratitude. His fleet, the most numerous and 
powerful that ever appeared in these seas; commanded by an 
Admiral whose fortune and talents ensure great events: an 
army of the most admirable composition, both in officers and 
men, are the pledges of his friendship to the United States; 
and their cooperation has secured us the present signal suc- 
cess. 

The General on this occasion, entreats his Excellency the 
Count de Rochambeau, to accept his most grateful acknow- 
ledgments for his counsels and assistance at all times. He 
presents his warmest thanks to the General Baron de Vio- 
menil, Chevalier Chastelleux, Marquis de St. Simon, and 
Count de Viomenil; and to Brigadier-General de Choise, 
who had a separate command; for the illustrious manner in 
which they have advanced the common cause. He requests 
that Count de Rochambeau will be pleased to communicate 
to the army under his immediate command, the high sense 



APPENDIX. 387 

he entertains of the distinguished merits, of the officers and 
soldiers of every corps: and that he will present in his name 
to the regiments of Augenois and Deux Fonts, the two pieces 
of brass ordnance captured by them,* as a testimony of their 
gallantry in storming the enemy's redoubt on the night of 
the 14th instant, when officers and men so universally vied 
with each other in the exercise of every soldierly virtue. 

The General's thanks to each individual of merit, would 
comprehend the whole army: but he thinks himself bound, 
however, by affection, duty and gratitude, to express his ob- 
ligations to Major-Generals La Fayette and Steuben, for dis- 
positions in the trenches; to General du Portail, and Col. 
Carney, for the vigor and knowledge which were conspicuous 
in their conduct of the attacks; and to General Knox and 
Col, D'Abeville for their great care, attention and fatigue in 
bringing forward the artillery and stores, and for their judi- 
cious and spirited management cf them in the parrallels. 
He requests the gentlemen above mentioned to communicate 
his thanks to the officers and soldiers of their respective 
commands. 

Ingratitude, which the General hopes never to be guilty 
of, which would be conspicuous in him, should he omit 
thanking in the warmest manner, his Excellency Governor 
Neilson, for the aid he has derived from him, and from the 
militia under his command; to whose activity, emulation and 
courage, much applause is due. The greatness of the acqui- 
sition, will be ample compensation for the hardships and 
hazards which they encountered with so much patriotism 
and firmness. 

In order to diffuse the general joy through every heart, the 
General orders, that those men belonging to the army, who 
may be now in confinement, should be pardoned, released, 
and join their respective corps. 

Divine service is to be performed to-morrow in the several 

* Congress afterwards confirmed this gift by a resolve to that effect. 



388 APPENDIX. 

Brigades and Divisions. The commander-in-Chief recom- 
mends that the troops not on duty should universally attend, 
with seriousness of deportment and gratitude of heart, which 
the recognition of such reiterated and astonishing interposi- 
tions of Providence demand of us. 
Brigade orders, Oct. 21, 1781. 

It is with the highest degree of pleasure, Gen. Knox obeys 
the request of His Excellency, the Commander-in-Chief, in 
communicating His Excellency's thanks to the corps of ar- 
tillery. The attention to the public interests in all ranks of 
officers, in bringing forward with uncommon labour to this 
point, the cannon and stores, which have, in conjunction 
with those of our good friends the French, in a capital degree 
effected the joyful event of the 19th, merit the warmest effu- 
sions of gratitude. 

The skill so conspicuously manifested in the management 
.and direction of the cannon and mortars, have convinced our 
noble allies, and brought home to the feelings of our enemies, 
that the officers of the American artillery have acquired a 
respectable portion of knowledge in their profession. 

General Knox peculiarly requests Colonel Lamb to accept 
of his most sincere acknowledgments for his care and atten- 
tion in conducting the stores and troops from the head of 
Elk to this place. He also thanks Lieut.-Col. Stevens for his 
great exertions at Christiana Bridge in forwarding the stores 
from that place, and for the essential assistance he afforded 
Col. Lamb in the other parts of his duty: and Major Bauman 
for the separate transportation of stores with which he was 
charged. 

He is highly impressed with the merit of the above gen- 
tlemen, and with that of Lieut.-Col. Carrington, in the im- 
portant duties of the batteries, which they discharged in a 
manner highly honorable to themselves and their country.'- 



APPENDIX. 389 



APPENDIX F. 



Mr. John C. Hamilton, in the life of his father, says that 
in the election of 17S4, " Clinton was supported by the most 
violent of the Whigs, and the most violent of the Tories, who 
had become Whigs." This assertion, which ranges part of 
the Tories on the side of Clinton, is repelled by common 
sense, and virtually contradicted by himself, in another pas- 
sage of his book. The election laws of 1777, and 1778, dis- 
franchised the Tories, and the Legislature of 1784 confirmed 
former enactments to that effect. Test oaths were enjoined, 
and administered; and none who had openly favored the 
British, (and the violent Tories must have done so), could 
take this oath without instant detection, and consequent ex- 
posure to punishment for perjury. Nor is it at all probable 
that any of the Tory party, who had prudence enough to con- 
ceal their former acts, or present predilections, if they had 
been permitted to vote, would have favored that side, which 
had ever been, and still was, resolved to perpetuate their dis- 
franchisement. They would certainly have chosen the other 
side : more especially, as at this very time, Col. Hamilton 
was striving to remove their disabilities, and was publishing 
the numbers of " Phocion" in the newspapers, for this avow- 
ed purpose; and there is no probability that any of these per- 
sons failed to attach themselves with devotion, to the man 
who was stemming the torrent of a just and natural prejudice, 
in order to emancipate them from the outlawry occasioned 
by their former acts. 

The truth of history corresponds with the promptings of 
common sense. The Tories, to a man, sided with Hamilton, 
and his party, and it was the successful efforts of that gentle- 
man to overcome the public animosities, that enabled him to 
obtain his election to the Assembly of 1787, and to carry out 
his favorite measure, the repeal of the laws of exclusion, un- 
der which the Loyalists were disfranchised. There he had 



390 APPENDIX. 

the address, and influence, to procure the abrogation of the 
most important part of those laws; and by the accession of 
the great body of the enfranchised Tories to his party, to 
prostrate at once his opponents in the city, and to secure his 
election to the general Convention of 1787, and afterwards 
that of his friends from the city, in the Convention of the 
state, assembled in 1788. 

That the restoration of the Loyalists to full citizenship, was 
in a general view, proper, none at this day will deny; but it 
was a measure which numbers at that time, who possessed as 
much probity, and patriotism as Hamilton himself, did deny, 
and most strenuously oppose; and it is a little remarkable, 
that having it in his power to effect a perfect repeal of the law, 
Col. Hamilton should have contented himself with the abro- 
gation of a part, the operation of which was to let in thou- 
sands of votere, leaving its more rigorous penalties in force 
against a few, who, by name, were yet doomed to outlawry ; 
all of whom were persons of great respectability, and worth, 
and who had done no more to merit perpetual exclusion, than 
those restored by him. To perform this act of mercy, was 
left to his political opponents, and at the next session of the 
Legislature, on motion of Samuel Jones, a staunch supporter 
of Gov. Clinton, the last clause of the law of 1784, was re- 
pealed. 

That the Tories could have formed no part of George 
Clinton's party, and that they, and their influence, were ri- 
gorously excluded by the enforcement of the test oath of 
1784, the following extract from Hamilton's book, vol 2, pp. 
260, 261, will disclose : 

" These considerations were disregarded, and this oath was 
prescribed. The election was thus in the hands of a few vi- 
olent persons, together with those who were tempted by this 
bribe, to perjury. 

" As a consequence, the representatives were composed of 
men of similar character; the most conspicuous of whom was 



APPENDIX. 391 

Aaron Burr; men chosen by an infuriate populace, in the 
midst of a disturbed, and overawed city." 

What bribe was here offered? and who were, or could be 
corrupted by its allurements'? Not any of the Whigs, violent 
or otherwise, most certainly; for they were not within the 
scope of its influence, and it must have been the Tories alone, 
who were tempted to perjury; and on whose side did they 
vote, if any indeed dared the hazard? Certainly not with 
their proscribers; not with the men who were pushing them 
from the polls by every effort in their power. A bribe must 
carry with it some prospect of gain, and if any perjured 
votes were cast, they were for the Hamilton party, their open 
friends, and not for their bitterest enemies. 

The names of the successful candidates at the first election 
in the city, after the peace, were Marinus W^illett, John 
Lamb, Isaac Sears, William Malcom, Hugh Hughes, Henry 
Rutgers, .John Stagg, Robert Harpur, and Peter P. Van 
Zandt. Of these, all had shown as much moral courage, and 
endurance, and the two first at least, had as often, and as 
manfully met the enemy in the field as any the most vaunted 
of the opposite party. Their moral characters were as pure 
and untainted as their patriotism, and the charge of motives 
of cupidity against such men, is as rash as it is undeserved. As 
well might any one, desirous of detracting from the high 
character of Gen. Hamilton; and the writer of this is not so 
desirous, (for he always viewed, and still regards the death 
of that distinguished man, a national misfortune). As well 
might they affirm that he was induced to favor the perfect 
restoration of the Tories, because they were, or were to be- 
come the most valuable of his clients, as to ascribe the ac- 
tion of those men, to impure, or selfish motives. 

The history of Alexander Hamilton ought to have been 
written in a better spirit, and the motives of his antagonists 
should have been judged with more candor; but the author, 
blinded by personal, and party prejudice, assails with bitter- 
ness all who opposed him; and even Gov. Clinton, to whose 



392 APPENDIX. 

devotion to the country, Hamilton himself had borne witness, 
is attacked with the same rancorous virulence. That great 
man was a patriot of the purest character, and may with jus- 
tice, be placed second to Washington alone, in efficient ser- 
vice to the nation. His efforts in the arduous station in which 
he acted throughout the war; difficult as it was rendered by 
the great body of the disaffected in the state, were justly ap- 
preciated by Congress, and the people; and yet he escapes 
not the fate of his cotemporaries. While all the acts of Ham- 
ilton are ascribed to a regard for the public good, and the 
most exalted patriotism, those of Clinton, and his cotempo- 
raries are placed to account of the most narrow, factious, and 
selfish motives. 

It is to be regretted that Mr. Hamilton in his laudable ef- 
fort to do justice to his father, did not rely upon the merits 
of that distinguished man alone, in order to establish his 
claims upon posterity; much more that he should attempt 
to draw invidious comparisons for the purpose of exalting 
a character which required no adventitious aids. Still more 
is it to be deplored that he should have suffered his own pre- 
judices and animosities to prevail, and induce him to decry 
the talents and services of others, in order to render ima- 
ginary contrasts more glaring. No man acquainted with 
the history of the principal leaders of the party opposed to 
the restoration of the loyalists, can with truth affirm that 
they or the party which sustained them, merit the sweeping 
denunciations pronounced against them. Their motives to 
action were as pure, and as little traceable to personal or 
corrupt inducements, as those of the great names which were 
opposed to them; while their patriotism and devotion, at all 
times exhibited; equalled, if it did not transcend the zeal of 
the most exalted of those individuals who differed from them 
on that important question. 

There is not a name upon the list of representatives which 
he denounces, which is behind that of Alexander Hamilton^ 
for integrity, for^ personal or moral courage, or purity of 



APPENDIX. 393 

patriotism; nor ought their descendants to admit such a pro- 
scription t-o obscure the fame of their ancestors. 

To place this controversy in the proper light, it must be 
remembered, that many of those who fought the battles of 
the Revolution, and a still greater number of those who did 
not bear arras, but who favored the cause, and aided it in 
their several spheres of usefulness; even during the war, pro- 
claimed that they fought for independence of the Mother 
Country, rather than for an alteration of its form of govern- 
ment. And as the prospect of peace grew stronger, these 
sentiments were more openly avowed. On the other hand, 
the Republicans, or according to Chancellor Livingston's no- 
menclature, " the violent Whigs" fought for liberty, and a 
commonwealth; repudiating the aristocratic features of the 
English form of government. 

That Col. Hamilton belonged to the first of these parties 
was well known. While yet the war existed, he disclosed 
his opinions on this subject to Col. Hugh Hughes, assistant 
Quarter-Master General, who afterw^ards became one of the 
members of the Assembly, so obnoxious to his son's resent- 
ment; and the attitude which he assumed in the Convention 
of 1787, affords conviction that his opinions were even then 
unchanged, and that he would have been satisfied if the Bri- 
tish Constitution, with very slight modification, had been es- 
tablished by that Convention. Holding these opinions, which 
if not at the time openly avowed, were very little disguised; 
it is not surprising that he met from the sturdy Republicans, 
the most determined resistance. Accordingly they opposed 
his measures, and kept him and his party in check, until they 
were themselves borne down by the extension of the elective 
franchise to his friends, and their inveterate enemies. 

But setting aside all other views of the question, save that 
of a contest for political supremacy. The balance of power, 
was suspended upon it; The men in possession of the govern- 
ment, had a natural right to defend themselves; and George 
Clinton, and his friends, are as much entitled to be considered 

50 



894 APPENDIX. 

as pure in their motives as were Colonel Hamilton, and his 
supporters. The result, as it terminated in the immediate 
overthrow of his opponents in the city; and their ultimate 
prostration throughout the state, proved, that if not the bet- 
ter cause; the better fortune, was on Hamilton's side; and it 
justified the resistance of the other party, by the law of self- 
preservation. 

The history of the bill which called forth the vituperation 
of Mr. Hamilton, and which he charges the Assembly to have 
passed; " under the specious title, of An act to preserve the 
freedom and independence of this state, and for other pur- 
poses;" is this. A special election for members to repre- 
sent the city in the House of Assembly was held in January^ 
1784, to take their seats in the seventh session of the Legis- 
lature, one term, of which had already expired. At the 
meeting of the two houses, a bill was introduced in the As- 
sembly entitled, " An act declaring certain description of 
persons, without the protection of this state, and for other 
purposes therein mentioned." This bill embodied some of 
the provisions of former election laws; and the last section 
was a decree of perpetual outlawry and banishment against 
certain persons named in it. In the Senate, Abraham Yates, 
a member ever distinguished for his patriotism, moved an 
amendatory clause in the following words: " That all and 
every person, and persons, falling under the descriptions 
hereinbefore mentioned in the 12th section of the Act enti- 
tled An act to regulate Elections within this state, passed 
the 27th March, 1778; and who has, or have not, left this 
state, are hereby forever disqualified, and rendered incapa- 
ble of holding, exercising or enjoying, any legislative, judi- 
cial, or executive, otEce or place whatsoever, within this 
state: and shall, and hereby is, and are, forever disqualified 
and incapacitated to elect or vote either by ballot or viva 
voce at any election to fill any office or place whatsoever 
within this state." This clause passed 10 to 6, Mr. Whiting, 
Mr. Iloyd, Mr. Rosevelt, Mr. Schuyler, Mr. \\ aid, and Mr. 



APPENDIX. 395 

• McDougall voting against it. " Mr. Oothout farther re- 
ported, that they had gone through the bill, made several 
amendments, and altered the title in the words follow- 
ing, viz: " An act to preserve the freedom and independence 
of this state, and for other purposes therein mentior^ed." 
These amendments were adopted by the Assembly, who did 
nothing more than concur with the Senate in the passage of 
the amended bill, with its new title and the obnoxious clause; 
and the lower house is, therefore, innocent of the specious 
title of which Mr, Hamilton complains. This bill he truly 
asserts was negatived by the council of revision. But he 
omits to state, that it passed both houses, by the constitu- 
tional majority, and was in force, when at the election of 
1787, Colonel Hamilton was returned to the Assembly. 

Mr. Hamilton has fallen into many inaccuracies in his 
desire to stigmatize the opponents of his father. And in his 
attempt to cast odium upon Colonel Burr, the archives of the 
state have been partially consulted, carelessly perused, or 
wilfully perverted. Acts of one Legislature have been as- 
cribed to men chosen at a subsequent period; and deeds at- 
tributable to another Assembly of which he was not a mem- 
ber, are charged upon a man, against whom, as the son of 
his father, he had just cause of hatred, but to whom, as an 
historian, he was bound to do at least justice. 

Col. Burr was not a member of the Legislature which 
passed the bill complained of by Mr. Hamilton. He was 
elected at the regular election of April, 1784. His colleagues 
in that Assembly, were Peter Van Brugh Livingston, Com- 
fort Sands, John Lawrence, Henry Remsen, Daniel Dunscomb, 
William Denning, William Goforth, and Thomas Randall. 
Several of these were Col. Hamilton's friends, and at that 
session advocated measures favored by him, and more than 
one subsequently became his very efficient partisans. 

Certainly Mr. Hamilton could not have taken the trouble 
to inform himself who those members were who composed 
either Assembly, for he would hardly have ventured know- 



396 APPENDIX. 

ingly to denounce men of such high character; many of whom 
were coadjutors with his father, merely for being associated 
with Col. Burr : who, after all, was innocent of the act of 
which he complains. 

As Mr. Hamilton's book has been adopted by many as au- 
thentic, and has misled even Hammond, whose Political His- 
tory has now become a text book; it may not be improper 
to notice another error into which he has fallen in his details 
of the proceedings of the Assembly of 1787, in regard to the 
answer of the House to the Governor's speech. The Gover- 
nor had refused to call a special meeting of the Legislature, 
in conformity to a request of Congress; and it was the wish 
of his friends to embody in the answer an approval of that 
measure by the Legislature. This Col. Hamilton and his 
friends endeavored to prevent, but were unsuccessful. He 
w^as of the committee to report the answer; and to his report, 
Richard Varrick, the Speaker, offered an amendment, which 
gave the sanction of the House to the course pursued by the 
executive. 

Mr. Hamilton asserts that the Speaker, Richard Varrick, 
withdrew his motion, and that Gen. Malcom offered his 
amendment as a suhstitute. The following is an extract 
from the Journals of the House, in relation to the adoption 
of the answer reported by Mr. Hamilton from the committee 
appointed to draft the address, the first paragraph of which 
was as follows: " We, the representatives of the people of 
the State of New York in Assembly, beg leave to assure your 
Excellency that the several important matters mentioned in 
your Excellency's speech, and communicated in the papers 
that accompany it, shall, in the course of the session, engage 
our serious attention." 

That the said paragraph having been read, Mr. Speaker 
(Richard Varrick) made a motion that after the word " leave," 
the following words should be inserted, viz: " to express our 
approbation of your Excellency's conduct in not convening 
the Legislature at an earlier period." 



APPENDIX. 397 

And at the same time, that Mr, Malcom made a motion 
that as 2i farther amendment, the following words should be 
added to the first paragraph of the address, after the word 
" attention," viz: " We learn by a resolution of the United 
States in Congress assembled, accompanying your Excellen- 
cy's speech, that the law passed by the Legislature of this 
State at their last session, has not been considered by that 
honorable body as a compliance with their act of the 18th 
April, 1783; and that they had recommended to the execu- 
tive of this State to convene the Legislature, to take under 
their consideration that very important subject. Although 
our inclination, as well as the persuasion that it is the senti- 
ments of our constituents, will dispose us on all occasions to 
naanifest the most respectful attention to the recommendation 
of the United States in Congress assembled; yet when we 
consider the short space of time between the passing of the 
said resolution and the period appointed by law for the meet- 
ing of the Legislature; the expense which an extraordinary 
meeting would have occasioned, and the great inconvenience 
to which the members would thereby have been subjected; 
we are of opinion that your Excellency was justifiable in 
forbearing to convene the Legislature until the time appointed 
by law." 

Here is evidence that Varrick's amendment was not with- 
drawn, and that Malcom's amendment was not offered as a 
substitute for Varrick's, but in addition and confirmation of 
the sentiments expressed in it. For Malcom's resolution, the 
first put, Varrick voted; but it was lost; and he sustained his 
own motion, when next offered, for which Malcom voted; 
while Mr. Hamilton voted against Malcom's, and also against 
Varrick's amendments; in which last vote he was sustained 
by C. Livingston, Bayard, Brooks, Gordon, J. Livingston, 
Sickles, Dongan, and Denning. The last gentleman was 
a member of the Assembly of 1784-5, with Col. Burr, and 
is one of those who comes within the scope of the anathema 
of Mr. Hamilton. 



CORRECTION. 
After page 362 had been printed, J. R. Simms, Esq., of Fultonville, 
furnished the publisher with conchisive evidence that the retreat from 
Long Island was on the 29th August, and not on the 27th. as stated in 
the memoir of Col. Hughes. The order mentioned was given immedi- 
ately after the retreat was determined on in the council of war, which 
was held on the 29th August : and, therefore, the recollections of both 
Gen. Washington and Col. Hughes are erroneous. 



INDEX. 



Abercrombie, colonel, at Yorktown: storms French redoubts: his war 

cry, 281. 
Abeel, John and James, affidavits of, 26. 
Abraham, Plains of: Montgomery and Arnold arrive at, 123. 
Adair, Robert, Son of Liberty of Maryland, 4. 
Allen, Ethan, with Arnold at Ticonderoga, 126. 
Alliance with France, diversity of opinions on, 242, 
Allicoke, Joseph, Son of Liberty of New York, 4. 
Ailing, Stephen, lieutenant in Lamb's regiment of artillery, 125. 
Allison, Patrick, Son of Liberty of Maryland, 4. 
Ambuscade, French Frigate, arrives at Charleston with envoy, 339. 

At New York : officers feasted : sails on a cruise : again ar- 
rives, 340. 

Is challenged by the Boston: sails to meet her: battle off the 
Hook, and the Boston beaten, 341. 
Anderson, James, Son of Liberty of Maryland, 4. 

Andre John, adjutant-general of the British army: meets Arnold: con- 
cealed at Smith's house, 258. 
Arms of Sons of Liberty seized by collector of New York, 95. 

Demanded, and threats of vengeance from the Mohawks, 95. 
Army of France land at Rhode Island, 242. 

At Yorktown, 278. 

Efficient cooperation there, 279. 
Arnold, Benedict, colonel: with Allen at Ticonderoga, 126. 

Joined by Montgomery at Point au Tremble, 123. 

Before Quebec: joined by Lamb's company: assault on Que- 
bec, 127. 

Leads his forlorn hope: is wounded and retires, 130. 

Defeats a detachment from Quebec: superseded in command 
by Wooster: takes command in Montreal, 142, 

At Reading with Wooster, 157. 

At Ridgefield, 158. 

Intercepts Tryon's retreatj and attacks him, 159. 

Compo battle, 160. 



400 INDEX. 

Arnold, Benedict, colonel: march to Fort Stanwix, 170, 
Letter to Lamb, 171. 
His horses detained, 172. 
Arrives at Washington's camp, 245. 
At West Point, 246. 

Letter of Moody to: wishes irons taken off Moody, 247. 
Retracts his order, 250. 

Complies with Hays' requisition for wood cutters, 251. 
Visits at Smith's house at Haverstraw: Letter to Lamb, 2.56. 
Sends Smith on board the Vulture for Andrt-: meets them at 

the Long Clove, 258. 
Arranges his business with Andre : disconcerted by the firing 

upon the Vulture: invites Washington to Breakfast, 259. 
Receives notice of Andre's capture: escapes on board the 

Vulture: his bombastic addresses, 268, 269, 
Sketch of, and surmises of the probable causes of his defec- 
tion, 269, 270. 
Arnold, Mrs. Margaret, wife of Benedict, arrival at Robinson's house, 2.56. 
Her alarm at the news of Andre's capture : well played scene 

to deceive Washington, 261. 
A pensioner of the Queen of England, 270. 
Arnold, Hannah, sister of the general, 153. 
Arnold, Fort: the first redoubt at West Point so called, 206. 
Articles of Union formed by Sons of Liberty, and sent to the east and 

south, 19. 
Artillery: brass removed from Salem, 98. 
Henry Knox, colonel of, 136. 
Brigadier-general of, 149. 

Ordered to be removed to the North River, 196. 
To Valley Forge, 197. 
Stopped on the river, 199. 
Ordered south, 277. 
Efficiency at Yorktown, 280. 
Complimented in general orders, 281. 
Heavy, left on the Delaware: field, ordered to camp, 282. 
Ashton, Joseph, lieutenant in Lamb's regiment, 150. 
Asia, man of war: her boat destroyed, 107. 
Fires on the city, 108. 
Her boat fired upon, 108. 
Assembly, Colonial, prorogued, 34, 35, 46, 106. 

Declines complying with the mutiny bill, 34. 
Bold attitude of, 35. 

Becomes alarmed and grants supplies: compensates major 
James: its functions abolished,- 39. 



INDEX. 401 

Assembly, colonial, about to expire grants farther supplies: dissolved, 
and writs for a new election, 40. 

New assembly chosen; address parliament, 42. 

Refused permission to read Massachusetts letter: remon- 
strate thereat, 43, 

Against the governor's interference, 45. 

Grant farther supplies, 46. 

New assembly meet: governor Golden demands farther sup- 
plies, 49. 

Vote, Philip Schuyler alone dissenting, certain handbills li- 
bellous: offer a reward for the discovery of the writer: order 
Lamb before the house: he is examined and discharged: 
full compliance with the mutiny bill yielded, 51. 

Reject the bill for elections by ballot, 53. 

Loyal to the king, 87. 

Vote down the patriots and adjourns. 
Assembly, state, first election of members for the city, 1784, 296. 

Resent outrage upon the French officers; refuse imposts to 
congress : debates upon the answer to the governor's speech, 
300. 
Atherton, Joshua, letter from, opposing the adoption of the federal con- 
stitution, 313. 
Augenois and Deux Fonts regiments, presented by Washington with 

brass guns captured by them in the redoubt, 281. 
Auxiliaries from France, arrival of, 242. 

Bancker, Flores, a Son of Liberty of New York, 4. 
Bank of New York, articles of association, 297. 

Incorporated, 339. 
Barracks required under mutiny act, 30 
Batteries at St. Johns changed, 14. 

Fire from destructive, 114. 
Battles: of Golden Hill, 56. 

New Jail, 58. 

Of Lexington, 101. 

Ridgefield and Compo, 159, ICO. 

Monmouth, 202. 

Springfield, New Jersey, 239. 

Green street, Albany, 332. 
Berrien, John, wounded by soldiers, 32. 

Berrien, John Jun. and Cornelius, their affidavits, 33. 
Bickers, Henry, Son of Liberty of New Jersey, 4. 
Bills of credit: proposition of governor Golden to issue, 49. 

Opposed by the Sons of Liberty, 50. 
51 



402 INDEX. 

Bills of credit: city delegation vote for issue, 50. 

Proposition of assembly of 1784 to issue, countenanced by the 
old members of the Sons of Liberty, 297. 
Benning, Benjamin, Son of Liberty of Maryland, 4. 
Bloomfield, Joseph, chairman of a meeting at Burlington, N. J., 290. 

M:ijor general in war of 1812, 290. 
Boardley, S. Jun.. a Son of Liberty of Maryland, 4. 
Bogert, John Jun., justice of the peace colonial, 25. 
Bolton, John, Son of Liberty of Maryland, 4. 
Bompard, captain of the French frigate Ambuscade, 341. 

Accepts the challenge of Courtney, meets the Boston and i& 
victorious, 341. 
Bordley William, Son of Liberty of Maryland, 4. 
Boston sympathizes with New York, 40. 

Port closed: rumors from, 44 

Sympathies of New York for: Massachusetts sheriff burnt in 
effigy, 45. 

Resolves not to relax non-importation so long as there is a 
shadow of duty on tea, 68. 

Relaxes and imports, 70. 

Tea ships arrive, 78. 

Tea destroyed, 80. 

Renews non importation league, 84. 

Proposes a convention, 93. 

Rumors of bombardment, 94. 
Boston, English frigate, Courtney commander: decoys French officers on 
board: sends a challenge to Bompard of the Ambuscade: 
fight off the hook: Courtney killed and Boston escapes, 341. 
Bradford, William, Son of Liberty of Pennsylvania, 4. 

Letter from, 25. 
Brant and Butler: rumors of invasion, 169. 

Incursions of, 245, 272. 
Brasher, Ephraim, affidavit of, 33. 
Brown, major Arthur, insolence of, 33. 
Brush, Thomas, Son of Liberty of Long Island, 4. 
Burke, ^Edanus, opposes the institution of Cincinnati, 295. 
, Opposes constitution without amendment, 308. 
Burlington, officers at, address letter to general Washington, 285. 

His reply, 287. 

Citizens of, address officers, 290. 
Burns's coffee house, meeting at, 14. 
Burrowes, Jo., Son of Liberty of Connecticut, 4. 

Campaign, extravagant, planned by congress, 240. 



INDEX. 403 

Cairns, William, partner of Lamb, absconds, 9 
Campbell, colonel, marches on Fort Montgomery, 175. 

Is killed, 176. 
Campbell, colonel Donald, quarter-master-general northern army, com- 
mands after the death of Montgomery: orders retreat, 128. 

Anathematized by prisoners, 135. 
Cannonade on Quebec does little injury, 124. 

Carleton, Sir Guy, attempts to relieve Fort St. John: defeated at Longue- 
ile, 115. 

His design to defeat escape of prisoners : humane treatment 
of, 137. 

Sallies from Quebec and raises blockade, 142. 

Paroles the prisoners, 145. 

Succeeds Sir Henry Clinton, 287. 
Cap of Liberty erected on the flag-staff of the Tontine Coffee House, 340. 
Carrington, colonel Edward, letter from, 228. 

At Yorktown, 278. 
Chamblee taken by Livingston and Brown, 113. 
Chambers, Rowland, a Son of Liberty of Maryland, 4. 
Chambers, captain, expected with tea: arrives: persists in declaring that 
he has none on board, 82. 

His hatches opened and the tea cast into the dock, 83. 
Chamier, D., Son of Liberty of Maryland, 4. 
Charon, British frigate burnt at Yorktown, 279. 
Chase, Samuel, Son of Liberty of Maryland, 4. 

Letter from opposing the adoption of the federal constitution, 
310. 
Chase, Thomas, Son of Liberty of Maryland, 4. 

Cheeseman, captain, killed at Quebec: his presentiment of death, 128. 
Cedars, disaster at, 142. 
Cedar Point, Tryon lands at, 154. 

Cincinnati, order of instituted: origin ascribed to general Knox: draft 
of the constitution in hand writing of major Shaw, 294. 

Opposed as an incipient order of nobility: fear not well found- 
ed, 295. 
Citizens defend their liberty pole, 37. 

Defend the acts of the assembly, 4. , 

Some of them arrested by soldiers, 73. 
Citizen, term adopted from French revolutionists introduced; applied to 

President Washington, 345. 
Clinton, fort of, commanded by James Clinton, 173. 

Congress appoint George Clinton to, 174. 

Stormed and taken, 176. 
Clinton, Gen. James, commands in Fort Clinton, 175. 



404 INDEX. 

Clinton, general James: defends it bravely; wounded, and escapes, 176. 

Anecdote of his escape, 177. 
Clinton, De Witt, letter from, opposing constitution unless amended, 316. 
Mediates in a quarrel between commodore Nicholson and 
Hamilton, 347. 
Clinton, George, brigadier-general and governor of New York: elected 
to command Highland forts by congress, 174. 
Throws himself into Fort Montgomery and bravely defends 

it, 176. 
Cuts his way through the enemy: anecdote of his escape, 177. 
Designs to retake the posts, 186. 
Fortifications of the Highlands entrusted to, 196. 
Desponding letter from, 216. 
Letter from, 282. 

His opinion of the Vermonters, 283. 
His great activity in the public service 288. 
Refuses to call a special session of the legislature at the in- 
stance of congress: debates on answer to his speech, 301. 
Defeated in New York: elected a delegate to the state con- 
vention from Ulster, 314. 
Letter from, opposing constitution unless amended, 315. 
Doubts of his sincerity in his proposition to call a new con- 
vention unfounded, 316- 
Contested election with Jay: successful in, 339. 
Receives three votes from Virginia for vice president, 1789, 

328. 
Receives fifty votes for vice president in 1792, 339. 
Orders ships of war below Governor's Island : declines being 
again candidate for governor, 346. 
Clothing obtained for the troops at Montreal, 123. 

Cockade, tri-colored worn by Oswald in New York : by French party of 
citizens, who wished it adopted in the national uniform, 345. 
Clockmaker at Quebec an engineer, 137. 

Colden, Cadwallader, lieutenant-governor; warlike demonstrations of; 
burnt in effigy, 15. 
Declares he will not issue stamps, 16. 
, Assembly refuses compensation to, 32. 

Power devolved on, by the death of Sir H. Moore, the go- 
vernor, 47. 
Not noticed in the toasts of the meeting of 1st November, 

1769, 48. 
Demands supplies under the mutiny act; coalesces with the 

Delanceys; proposes the emission of bills of credit, 49, 
Great expectation of from committee of fifty-one, 89. 



INDEX. 405 

Colden, Cadwallader, rejoices at the vote of the assembly against the 
congress of 1774: pretends that no troops are expected in 
the city, 104. 
Commissary, Scotch, at Quebec; his humane suggestions, 152. 
Committee of vigilnnce of 31st October, 1765, 14, 

Of merchants relax the non-importation league, 65. 

Disapprove of the denunciation of Rhode Island, 67. 

Rebuke the committee of vigilance, 68. 

Abandon the league: are denounced at Albany, 69. 

Of fifty-one how chosen : their designs explained by Gouverneur 

Morris, 87. 
Rivington's hopes of them, 89. 
Interfere viith committee of vigilance, 92. 
Denounce meeting in the fields: become alarmed and propose 

a general convention, 93. 
Recommend a choice of delegates to congress of 1774, 100. 
Of one hundred chosen : address lord mayor of London and, 

lieutenant-governor Colden, 102. 
Deny the report of the declaration of independence by con- 
gress, 107. 
Compo, battle of, 159, 160. 

Conckling, Cornelius, Son of Liberty of Long Island, 4. 
Confederation, old: imperfect and inefficient for government, 300. 
Congress of 1765, 12. 

Provincial, 100. 

Of 1774-5 pass resolves of non importation, 95. 

Advise not to resist the landing of British troops: recommend 

provisions of munitions of w^ar, 105. 
Resolutions of, 148. 
Gigantic scheme of, 210. 
Inactivity of, 288. 

Pass resolves requesting governor Clinton to call special meet- 
ing of the legislature, 300. 
Connecticut orders provision of arms and ammunition, 97. 
Troops of, march into New York, 106. 
Lamb's Regiment recruited in, 149. 
Consolidationists, term of, applied to friends of the constitution as adopt- 
ed, 318. 
Constitution Fort, first fortification in the Highlands, 172. 

Summonedby Sir Henry Clinton: flag fired upon: and evacu- 
ated : merely a laboratory, 185, 
Federal, adopted in convention at Philadelphia: general dis- 
content: pronounced anti-federal, 305. 



406 INDEX. 

Constitution, federal, society formed to oppose unless amended, 306. 

Ratified by state convention, 1788, 318. 

Amended by congress, 329. 
Consul of France complains of insult to French officers, 300, 
Convention at Saratoga, Gates blamed for, 187. 
Convention, general, recommended by congress : sits at Philadelphia, 301. 

Yates, Lansing, and Hamilton delegates to 302. 

Sits with closed doors: Lansing and Yates secede from: forms 
a constitution: signed by Hamilton in behalf of the state of 
New York, 305. 
Cornwallis Lord, defeats Gates at Camden, 255. 

Checked by Greene, 273. 

Invested at Yorktown, 278. 

Capitulates, 280. 
Covenhoven, Peter Jun., Son of Liberty of New Jersey, 4. 
Custom houses established, 40. 

Closed in New York, 102. 
Customs, collector of seizes arms of the Sons of Liberty, 96. 



Dallas, Alexander J., his report to governor Mifflin misunderstood, 343. 

Danbury burnt, 157. 

Davis, captain, brings stamps, 16. 

Declaratory act, 1765, 38. 

Resisted by Massachusetts: by New York, 38. 

De Laricey, Peter, stamp distributor of New York: refuses to act, 21. 

Delegates to the convention and congress of 1774: their sentiments de- 
clared, 94. 
Elected, 100. 

Democratic party synonymous with republican: societies formed, 345. 

Denning, William, member of assembly of 1787, 302. 

Deserters from Montgomery's army defeat the first planof the attack, -127. 

Destruction of major James's property, 1765, compensated by assem- 
bly, 16. 

Deux Ponts and Augenois' regiments, presented with guns by general 
Washington, 281. 

Diatuond, cape, 124. 

Design on Bastion at, 127. 

Disputes between Colonels Pickering and Hay relative to forage: ad- 
justed by arbitration: award paid by congress, 276. 

Dongan, Mr., of the assembly of 1787, 

Doughty, Captain John, letter from, 195. 

Drummer boy at Fort Montgomery, 177. 

Duer, William, letter from, 246. 



INDEX. 407 

Dunlap's history, useful, 8. 

His declaration respecting the adoption of the constitution^ 
328. 
Dunmore, Lord governor, arrives, 70. 

Assembly subservient to, 71. 

Removed to Virginia, 74. 
Dunscomb, James, his affidavit, 26. 
Durkee, John, Son of Liberty of Connecticut, 4. 
Du Simitiere, Paul, translates the manifesto of Congress, 102. 

His letter to Lamb, 211, 215. 

Effect of Confinement upoathe mind, 138. 
Election of delegates to congress of 1774, 100. 

General convention, 301 

State convention, 315. 
Enlistments for short periods produce evil in the army, 123. 
Escalade of Quebec resolved on, 126. 

Postponed: and attempted, 127. 
Enquiry, court of, in regard to the loss of the Highland forts, 197. 
Exchange, fair at, 18. 

Febiger, a prisoner at Quebec, 140. 

Lieutenant-colonel at storming of Stoney Point, 224. 
Federalists, each party claims to be, 306. 

Of Albany fire guns on the adoption of the constitution by- 
Virginia, 317. 

Battle vi^ith their opponents in Green street, 322. 

Those of New York attack Greenleaf 's office, 322, 

Design to attack the home of Lamb, 322. 
Federal Party lean to England: execrate French Jacobins, 339. 

Apply that term to their adversaries, 346. 
Fire of the beseigers of Quebec ineffectual, 124. 
Flag staff erected 4th June, 66. 

Governor Moore attends, 28. 

Torn down, 33. 

Reerected, 33. 

Destroyed, 37. 

Reinstated, 37. 

Soldiers attack: citizens defend, 37. 

On the Tontine Coffee House, surmounted with cap of liberty: 
tri-colored flag hoisted: torn down: and replaced, 346. 
Fleet, French, reported off the Hook, 228. 

Arrive and sail for Rhode Isleind, 242. 

Arrives at New York, 342. 



408 INDEX. 

Floyd, William, in favor of restoring the loyalists, 297. 

Candidate for lieutenant-governor, 346. 
Forts Montgomery and Clinton erected, 173. 

Stormed, 176. 
Foy, colonel, adjutant-general at Quebec: his kindness to American 

prisoners, 145. 
Fox, Daniel, Son of Liberty, Maryland, 4. 
French consul complains of insult to the officers of his nation, 300. 

Land forces: objections of American officers against, 242. 

Mistaken views, 243. 

Officers insulted in the city, 299. 

Party in New York, 300, 338. 

Great increase of, 340. 

Privateers fitted out in the Delaware, 340. 
Frisbee, Peroy, Son of Liberty of Maryland, 4. 

Gabions, filled between with snow, saturated by water and frozen, formed 

the ramparts of the besiegers at Quebec, 124. 
Gage, general, commander of the forces: his forbearance: thanked by 
the corporation, 15. 
Goes to Boston, 42. 
Gaine, Hugh, printer in New York, 11. 
Garland, the lieutenant of, rebuked, 25. 
Garnet, George, Son of Liberty of Maryland, 4. 
Gate palace at Quebec, sortie from, 131. 
Gates, Horatio, major-general: ill treats captain Mott, 166. 
Intrigues against Washington, 170. 
Refuses to strengthen the main army, 189. 
Colonel Hamilton's mission to, and its result, 190. 
Ordered to the command in the Highlands, 191. 
Takes command: issues a general order displacing Lamb: 

Appoints Stevens, 199. 
His general order unauthorized, 208. 
Defeated at Camden, 255. 
Gelston, David, of the society to procure amendments to the constitution, 

320. 
Genet, Edmond C, envoy from France, arrives at Charleston, 339. 

Great honors paid to him; triumphal march to Philadelphia: 

public addresses to, 340. 
Arrives at Powles Hook: great meeting of citizens: address 

and escort him to the city, 342. 
Threatens to appeal to congress from the president's decisions : 

misrepresented: writes to the president, 343. 
Receives a rebuke from Mr. Jefferson, secretary of State, 344. 



INDEX. 409 

Genet, Edmond C, envoy from France, complains of the removal of the 
French vice-consul : ruJenessof to the president: urges at- 
torney-general Randolph to prosecute Messrs. Jay and 
King. 

Georgia gives four votes to George Clinton as vice president, 339. 

Goddard, William, his post office scheme, 86. 

Godwin, general, anecdote of, 177. 

Golden Hill, battle of, 56. 

Goods arrive from Glasgov*^ in contravention of the resolves of congress; 
ordered back, 97 

Gordon the historian, error of, 14. 

Gordon, Mr., of the assembly of 1787. 

Grant, colonel, killed at Fort Montgomery, 178. 

Great Britain, pacific overtures of, 287. 

Their effect on congress and the states, 288. 

Greene, Lieutenant-Colonel Christopher, prisoner at Quebec, 131. 
Defends Fort Mifflin, 189. 

Greene, General Nathaniel, quarter master general's letter from to 
Hughes, 364. 

Greenleaf, printer anti-adoptionist, 332. 
His office sacked, 333. 

Hamilton, Alexander, early patriotism of, 8. 

Aid to Washington: his mission to Gates, 189. 

Orders troops from Putnam camp, 190. 

With Washington at Robinson's house, 261. 

Storms redoubt at Yorktown, 279, 280. 

Labors to restore loyalists, 299. 

In assembly of 1787 : debates on answer to Governor's Speech, 

301, 
Brings forward a bill to restore the loyalists: carries it 

through; elected to general convention, 302. 
Signs the constitution in behalf of New York, 305. 
Labors with Jay and Madison to defend the constitution, 306. 
His masterly essays in favor of: chosen delegate to the state 

convention, 314. 
His persevering efforts in favor of adoption, 315. 
And prevails by his eloquence in its behalf, 318. 
Challenged by colonel Oswald, 330. 
His amicable relations with Lamb, 331. 
Is misinformed by governor Mifflin, and misleads Jay and 

King, 342. 
Defends Jay's treaty: quarrel with commodore Nicholson 
mediated by De Witt Clinton. 

52 



410 INDEX. 

Hamilton, John C, Unfairness of his account of the defence of forts 
Montgon:iery and Clinton, 179. 

Charge against the states rights party, 300. 

Illiberal remarks against the members of assembly of 1784: 
against Burr. — Vide appendix. 
Head quarters of the army removed from Morristown to Ramapo, 169. 

Army march to the Delaware, 170. 

Take a position near West Point, 223. 
Hall, John, Son of liberty of Maryland, 4. 
HalJam lieutenant, called to account by Sons of Liberty, 25. 
Hammond, Jabez D., his opinion of the cause of governor Clinton's ac- 
quiescence to the adoption of the constitution, 328. 
Hampden Hall, house bought by Sons of Liberty: Sons of Liberty hold 
repeal celebrations at, 62. 

Rebukes Fanuiel at Boston for abandoning non importation 
league, 70. 
Hancock, John, letter from, 44. 
Hands, Thom&s B., Son of Liberty of Maryland, 4. 
Hard winter, 1779=, 1780:' sufferings in the camp in New Jersey, 235. 
Hardenbrook, Theophilus, wounded by soldiers, 32. 
Harpur, Robert, of the assembly of 1784, 290. 

Hay, colonel Udney deputy quarter-master-general: his requisition for 
wood-cutters from the garrison of West Point, 252. 

State agent: his disptttes with colonel Pickering, quarter- 
master-general of the army,- 275. 
Haviland, captain, arrives with stamps on board,. 23. 
Hazard House, hit by a cannon shot, 155. 

Temporary hospital for the wounded at Compo, 162. 
Heath, James, Son of Liberty of Maryland, 4. 
Hendrickson, Daniel, Son of Liberty of New Jersey, 4 
Henry, Robert, Son of Liberty at Albany, 4. 
Henry, Patrick, of Virginia: his letter opposing constitution unless 

amended, 307. 
Heth, William, prisoner at Quebec, 140. 

His account of the battle of Germantown, 183. 
Hillsborough, Lord, forbids the reading of the Massachusetts letter, 43. 
Hobart, John S., Son of Liberty of Long Island, 4. 
Holmes, Joseph, Jun., Son of Liberty of Maryland, 4. 
Holland accedes to the armed neutrality, 274. 

Holt, John, patriotic printer. New York: threatened by Sons of Liberty, 
his manifesto, 8. 

Suffeis loss at Kingston, 188. 
Hostilities at the north cease : continued at the south and on the Sound, 290. 
How, general, quells mutiny in New Jersey line, 274. 
Howell, Isaac, Son of Liberty of Philadelphia, 4. 



INDEX. 411 

Hughijs, Hugh, Son of Liberty of New York, 8. 

Quarter-master-general's department, 160. 

Aid to Arnold at Compo, 161. 

Relied upon to resist aristocratic influences, 206. 

Chosen to assembly, 1784: committee to answer the gover- 
nor's speech, 302. 

One of the survivors of the Sons of Liberty, 304. 

Memoir of, in appendix. 
Hughes, James M., of the association to procure amendments to the con- 
stitution. 320. 

See appendix. 
Huntington, Jedediah, colonel at Danbury, 159. 

Falls on the rear of the British on their retreat, 160, 

At the battle of Compo, 161. 

Writes to Lamb, 196. 

Imlay, Peter, Son of Liberty of Maryland, 6. 

Imposts to congress, grant to in 1781: recalled by the state: attempts to 

procure a re-grant: a qualified grant, 300. 
Congress requests governor Clinton to convene legislature to 

consider: not co:nplied with, 300. 
Intrigue against Washington, 170. 
Irving, colonel, taken at three rivers, 143. 
Ivers, Thomas, affidavit of, 26. 

Jacobins, term of applied in derision to the democrats, 346. 
James, major, his property destroyed. 16. 

Assembly compensates therefor, 32. 
Jandine, Catharine, wife of John Lamb, 10. 
Jarvis, James, Son of Liberty of Maryland, 4. 
Jay, John, delegate to congress, 1774, 95. 

Labors with Hanjilton and Madison to defend the federal 
constitution, 306. 

Delegate to the state convention, 314. 

Great efforts, 318. 

Candidate for governor against Clinton and beaten, 339. 

Chief justice of the United States, 339. 

Envoy to England, 339. 

Candidate for governor against Robert Yates: is elected, 346. 

His treaty assailed, 346. 
Jefferson, Thomas, secretary of state, rebukes the French envoy Genet, 

344. 
Jones, Samuel, in assembly of 1787: sustains governor Clinton, 301, 

State convention, 315, 



412 INDEX. 

Jones, Samuel, opposes adoption of the constitution without amendments : 
yields and adopts, 318. 
Is of the association to procure amendments, 320. 

Kelly, ■ burnt in effigy, 76. 

Kent, chancellor James, at Hazard House, 155. 
King, the statue of voted by assembly, 29. 

Erected, 70. 

Forbids the assembling of congresses, 39. 

His store on the North River broken open, 107. 
King, Pit and Liberty, inscribed on the first liberty pole, 28. 
King, Rufus, misinformed by Knox and Hamilton, 343. 

Defends Jay's treaty, 347. 
King's Ferry, posts at in a bad condition, 263. 
King Fisher, sloop of war detains James of Glasgow, 97. 
Knox, Henry, Rivington's letter to, 91. 

Colonel of artillery, 136. 

Brigadier-general, 149. 

His letters to Lamb, 189, 192, 199, 203, 210, 230, 232, 235, 
238, 249, 253. 

Letters of Lamb to, 222, 340. 

Reports governor Mifflin's conversation to Jay and King, 347. 

La Fayette, Marquis de, at West Point with Washington, 261. 

Storms redoubt at Yorktown, 279. 

Embarks for France from Battery, 299. 

Heads revolution in France, 337. 
Lamb, Anthony, father of John, optician at New York, 9. 

His death, 300. 
Lamb, Anthony, son of John, 10. 

Defends his father's house, 336. 
Lamb, John, birth and education: early occupation: wine merchant, 9. 

Committee of Sons of Liberty, 9. 

Goes to Philadelphia to enforce resignation of stamp mas- 
ter, 19. 

Addresses meeting in fields against the issue of bills of credit, 
50. 

Ordered before assembly, examined and discharged, 51. 

Threatens Tryon should he attempt to force landing of tea, 78. 

Addresses meeting at Coffee House to oppose landing, 79. 

Participates in destruction of tea at Coffee House slip, 84. 

Etches a description of that affair on copper, 84. 

Threatens the collector of customs unless arms are deliver- 
ed, 96. 



INDEX. 413 

Lamb, John, letter to, from Boston, 99. 

Presides at a meeting, and seizes boards destined to Boston, 
101. 

Joins Sears in detaining all vessels bound east, and in closing 
custom house, 102. 

Acts on committee of 100, 103. • 

Seizes the king's magazine at Turtle Bay, 105. 

Offers his services to congress, 105. 

Appointed captain of artillery, 106. 

Removes guns from battery by orders of congress, 108. 

Refuses to be attached to McDougall's regiment : ordered to 
ttie north: and marches, 109. 

Arrives at Ticonderoga, 110. 

At St. Johns: beds a mortar 112. 

Marches into the Fort of St. Johns at the surrender, 116. 

Marches to Montreal, 118. 

Difficulties with Montgomery, 119. 

At Quebec: opens a fire upon, 124. 

Joins Arnold's corps at the storm, 127. 

Field piece becomes useless and abandoned, 129. 

Joins Morgan in assault on the barriers: wounded and taken 
prisoner, 131. 

Found insensible: revived and taken to the hospital : attacked 
by the gout, 132. 

Loses the sight of his left eye: wound reopened and cured: 
threatened to be sent to England in irons : convinces Carle- 
ton of his firmness, 133. 

Is promoted, 136. 

Reproves his men for joining Carleton, 139. 

Is himself reproved, 139. 

Applies for release on parole: embarks forborne: arrives on 
the coast of New Jersey : the great fire then raging : reflec- 
tions thereon, 146. 

Reports himself at head quarters: joins his family at Strat- 
ford: memorializes congress, 147. 

Notice of congress, 148. 

Receives a letter from general Knox: and promotion, 149. 

Arrives at Compo at the battle, 160. 

Takes command of volunteers: storms British artillery, 161. 

Wounded, and taken by colonel Hughes to the hospital, 162. 

Ordered to New Haven, 163. 

Commands there, 164. 

Ordered to Fort Montgomery: asks for active duty, 168. 

In Fort Montgomery at the storm: directs artillery, 176. 



414 INDEX. 

Lamb, John, ordered to Water Battery, 177. 
Retires to New Windsor, 183. 
•Commands artillery on the river, 194. 
Orders it from Connecticut line, 196. 
Ordered with artillery to Valley Forge, 197. 
Order countewnanded : is superseded by general order of 

Gates, 199. 
Writes to president of congress: to the commander-in-chief, 

200. 
To colonel Malcom, 201. 
To governor Trumbull, 203. 

Dispute of rank with Harrison: adjusted in his favor, 204, 
General order of Gates unauthorized, 208. 
Appointed surveyor of ordnance, 218. 
Letter to general Knox, 222. 
Letter from Knox, 223. 
Board of general officers rank him below Crane : tenders his 

resignation to Washington, 224. 
Resignation not accepted, 225. 
Letters from Washington to, 225, 263, 264. 
Letter to Washington, 226. 
To president of congress, 227. 
At West Point in command, 240. 
Letter to Arnold in regard to Moody the spy, 247. 
Another, 249. 

Informs Arnold of the weakness of the garrison, and deficien- 
cy of powder : begs the garrison may not be weakened, 250 . 
Remonstrates against farther details of men, 251. 
Letters to Arnold on the subject: to colonel Malcom, 252. 
To colonel James Livingston: reluctant to supply powder, 

258. 
Consternation at the discovery of Arnold's treason, 261. 
Ordered to command the posts below, 263. 
Resumes his command, 264. 

Artillery stationed at Dobbs's Ferry: ordered to the south, 277. 
Arrives at James River: is second in command of American 

artillery, 278. 
Commands in the trenches the day the Chamade was beaten, 

280. 
Conducts the artillery to Burlinj^ton, N. J. : stationed there, 

282. 
Letter to Gov. Clinton, 284. 
To colonel WiJlett, 285, 
Expects promotion and disappointed, 290. 



INDEX. 415 

Lamb, John, denounces the Newburgh letters, 204. 

In favor of the order of Cincinnati, 295. 

Returns to the city of New York: is elected to the assembly: 
opposes the restoration of the royalists, 296. 

Favors the emission of bills of credit, 2.97. 

Appointed collector of New York by the council of appoint- 
ment, 297. 

Is chairman of association to oppose the adoption of the con- 
stitution of the United States unless amended, 306. 

Corresponds with Patrick Henry and other influential men at 
the south, 307. 

Beaten m the election of delegates to the state convention, 314. 

Opposes the ratification of the constitution by the state with- 
out amendments, 306 to 331. 

Amicable relations with Hamilton: confidence in general 
Washington, 331. 

His house threatened by the federalists: preparations to de'- 
fend, 334. 

Efforts are made to prevent his nomination by the president,- 
336. 

Declines making application: is nominated and appointed, 337. 

Is of the party which supports France and her revolution, 347. 

Feasts the French officers : favors Genet the French minister,, 
and is friendly to him in his reverses, 348. 

Severely afilicted with the gout: greatly distressed by the 
loss of his son-in-law, 350. 

His benevolent character: letter of Mrs. Nathan to, 351. 

Undiminished friendship for Gov. Clinton, 352. 

Infidelity of his clerk, 353 

Who embezzles the public funds: defaulter to the government 
in consequence, 354. 

Friendship of Hamilton and Troup: severe measures of the 
government, 354. 

Ruin of his family, 355. 

Decline of life, and death of, 355. 

His character, 356, 357. 
Lansing John J., of a committee to draft answer to governor's speech^ 
296. 

Delegate to general convention at Philadelphia, 302. 

Secedes from the convention, 305. 

Delegate to the state convention: his great efforts to procure 
amendments, 
Laight, Edward, Son of Liberty of New York, 4. 
Lawrence, Elisha, Jr., Son of Liberty of New Jersey, 4. 



416 INDEX. 

Lawrence, Nathaniel, of the society to procure amendments to the con- 
stitution, 320. 

Lawyers objected to as assemblymen, 41. 

Ledlie, Hugh, a Son of Liberty of Connecticut, 4. 

Lee, Richard Henry, of Virginia, letter from, 308. 

Lee, captain, gallantry of, 195. 

Lendrum, Rev. Andrew, Son of Liberty of New Jersey, 4. 

Letters, threatening, sent to Holt, 8. 

To the assembly: and action thereon, 22, 

Liberty pole erected, 28, 33, 37, 59. 
Destroyed, 32, 33, 37, 55. 
Attempted by soldiers, G2. 

Litchfield recommended as a depot by colonel Lamb: and reasons for, 333. 

Livingston Major Wm., assaults Gieenleafs office 333. 

Livingston, colonel James, not at the gate of St. Johns 31st Dec, 1775, 
127, 
Commands at King's Ferry: his requisition for powder to 

fire at the Vulture, 250, 
Ordered to Robinson's house for a conference with Washing- 
ton, 250, 

Livingston, J,, member of assembly, 1787, 302. 

Livingston, C, member of assembly, 1787, 302. 

Livingston, William, governor of New Jersey, 289. 

Lockier, captain of the Tea Ship : taken possession of, 82. 

Lockwood, Samuel, of Connecticut, captain in Lamb's regiment, 150. 

Long Island threatened descent on, 166. 

Lott, Mr., clerk of assembly, receives a threatening letter, 22. 

Lovell, James, letter from, 208. 

Lowndes, Rawlins, of South Carolina, letter from, opposing constitu- 
tion as adopted, 308. 

Low, Cruger, Alsop, and Delancey, elected to assembly, and give fifty 
pounds each to the poor, 41. 

Loyalists disfranchised, 297. 

Schuyler and Hamilton labor to restore, 298. 

Lush, Stephen, aid to governor Clinton, taken at Fort Montgomery, 176. 

Lux, William, Son of Liberty of Maryland, 4. 

McCauley, Gideon, Son of Liberty of Maryland, 4. 
McDougall, Alexander, early patriot, 8. 

Arrested on a bench warrant : refuses to give bail : imprisoned : 
case assimilated to that of Wilkes : visited by all classes in 
prison, 61. 
Toasted by Sons of Liberty of Hampden Hall : procession of 
citizens visit, 62. 



INDEX. 417 

McDougall, Alexander, indicted for a libel upon the assembly, 63. 

Ordered to the bar of the assembly, defended by George 

Clinton, 71. 
Declared guilty of contempt, 72. 

And imprisoned : writ of Habeas Corpus issued : house refused 
to obey the writ: probably yielded, and restored him to 
liberty, 73. 
Member of the provincial convention, 100. 
Colonel of first New York Regiment, 108. 
Brigadier-general at Germantown, 183, 
At Valley Forge, 191. 
Letter from, 197. 
At "West Point, 271. 
Arrested by general Heath, 283. 

In senate of New York votes for emission of bills of credit: 
first president of the bank of New York: in favor of re- 
storing the royalists, 297. 
Votes with Schuyler and Hamilton: death of, 304. 
McEvers, James, stamp distributor of New York: refuses stamps, 13. 
McHard, Joseph, Son of Liberty of Maryland, 4. 
Maclean, colonel, of Quebec: letter of, 139. 
McPherson, captain, aid to Montgomery, killed at Quebec, 128. 
Malcom, colonel William, sent to Albany by Clinton, 187. 
Letters from, 188, 206, 207. 
Adjutant-general of Gates's army, 206. 
Deprecates revival of tory influences, 206. 
At Haverstraw, 249. 
Chosen to assembly of 1784, 296. 

Again in 1787: amends speaker Varrick's motion, 300. 
Votes for the restoration of the royalists, 302, 
Mansfield, Samuel, a captain of Lamb's regiment, 150. 
Maryland, Sons of Liberty of, 4. 

Three letters from, 22, 27. 
Mason, Rev. John, letter from, 277. 

Mason, Stevens Thompson, senator from Virginia: discloses proceed- 
ings in regard to Jay's treaty: denounced therefor by the 
federalists, and applauded by the democrats : thanks of a 
public meeting voted, 347. 
Massachusetts refuses mutiny bill, 40, 

Address letter to New York assembly, 42. 
Forbidden to be read, 42. 

Governor of burnt in effigy, with the sherifl", 45. 
Meeting at Burns's CoiFee House, erroneously dated: committee ap- 
pointed at, 14. 

53 



418 INDEX. 

Meeting of 25th November, 1765, 21 . 

23d June, 1766, 29. 

In the fields, to denounce the issue of bills of credit, 50. 

Recommending vote by ballot, 53. 

To resolve against the insolence of the soldiery, 55. 

To purchase ground for liberty pole, 59. 

To decide upon rejecting the tea, 79. 
Meigs, Return Jonathan, major, prisoner at Quebec, 132. 

Lieutenant-colonel, his expedition to Long Island, 166. 

Letter from, 196. 

At the storm of Stoney Point, 224. 
Melmoth, Mrs., about to be rebuked, 345. 

Metcalf, Simon, suspected of being stamp distributor of New York, 22, 
Mifflin, Fort, attack on described, 192. 

Governor, misapprehends A. J. Dallas, 343. 
Miles, John, captain in Lamb's regiment of artillery, 150. 
Militia of New York, patriotic, 222. 
Minerva, ship, arrives, 20. 

Boarded for stamps, 23. 
Mix, Timothy, lieutenant in Lamb's regiment of artillery, 150. 
Moale, John, Son of Liberty of Maryland, 4. 
Mohawks notified to be in readiness, 76. 
Monmouth, battle of, 202. 

Oswald's behavior at, 203. 

Death of the Gates faction, 205. 
Montanya, Abram, affidavit of, 20. 

Montagnie's house becomes the resort of the governor's party, 61. 
Montgomery, general Richard, wishes to remove his batteries, 113. 

Difficulties with his officers, 117. 

Charges Lamb as agitator, 119. 

Commends his bravery and skill, 119. 

Dissuades him from resigning: declares him indispensible to- 
the army, 121. 

In the trenches at Quebec, 124. 

Orders Lamb to draw off his guns, 125. 

Refuses to dismember Arnold's corps, 126. 

Determines to storm Quebec, 126. 

Passes below the bastion of Cape Diamond, 127. 

Attacks battery and is killed : death of, fatal to the enterprize, 
133. 
Montgomery, Fort, Lamb ordered to, 168. 

Is stormed, 177. 

Governor Clinton commands, 174. 

Brave defence of, 178. 



INDEX. 419 

Moody, James, spy, in irons at West Point, 247. 

Sent to Washington's camp, 252. 

Steals despatches to congress, and defeats the design to attack 
New York, 274. 
Moodie, Andrew, lieutenant in Lamb's company of artillery; prisoner 

at Quebec, 146. 

Embarks for home with Lamb, 146. 

A captain in Lamb s regiment, 150. 

Letter from, 229. 
Moore, Sir Henry, governor, arrives in the city: declares his determina- 
tion not to force the issue of the stamps : orders repairs of the 
forts to be discontinued: adjourns assembly; his popularity: 
addressed by Sons of Liberty, 20. 

Attends at raising the flag-staff, 28. 

Demands supplies under the mutiny act, 29. 

Demands full compliance with the bill, 34. 

Forbids the reading of the letter from assembly of Massachu- 
setts: demands further supplies, 43. 

Still more, 45. 

Prorogues the assembly: dies, 46. 
Morgan, captain Daniel, at Quebec, 130. 

Storms under Arnold, 131. 

Resists until the last, and is taken prisoner, 132. 
Mott, Gershom, Son of Liberty of New York, 4. 

Committee of Oct. 31, 1765, 14. 

Captain in McDougall's regimental St. Johns: difficulty with 
Montgomery: arrested, 117. 

And released at the intercession of the New York officers, 117. 

Captain in Lamb's regiment, 150. 

Sent to recruit at Albany, 165. 

Letter from respecting general Gates, 166. 

Recommended by Lamb for the majority of his regiment: at 
Fort Constitution, and his annoyances there, 169. 

Is summoned by Sir Henry Clinton: fires on the flag, and 
evacuates the fort, 185. 

His letters, 185, 186, 209. 

Dignities at White Plains, 204. 
Murray,' William, Son of Liberty of Maryland, 4. 
Mutiny bill, extracts from, 28, 30. 

Assembly refuses to comply with, 31. 

Yield a partial compliance, 34. 

Yielded still more, 39. 

Again yield a further supply, 46, 

Give full assent, 50. 



420 INDEX. 

Nathan, Mrs. G., her letter to Lamb: a correspondent of Miss Edge- 
worth, 352. 
Nestle, Peter, a lieutenant in Lamb's regiment of artillery, 150. 
Neutral ground, disputes about forage in, 275. 
New Jersey line, troops of, mutiny, 273. 

Quelled by general Hov/, 274. 
New Hampshire, relied upon to vote against ratifying the constitution of 
the United States, 313. 

Adopts the constitution, 316. 
New York raises four regiments, 108. 

Appoints colonel Udney Hay agent: claims pay for forage on 
forfeited estates, 275. 

City, contemplated attack on, 205. 

Another meditated, 210. 

Bank of, association formed, 297. 

Chartered, 339. 
Nicholson, Joseph, Son of Liberty of Maryland, 4. 
Nicholson, Joseph, Jr , Son of Liberty of Maryland. 4. 
Nicholson, commodore Jaines, chairman of the meeting to receive Genet 
the French minister, 342. 

President of the democratic society, 345. 

Quarrel with Hamilton composed by De Witt Clinton, 347. 
Nichol, William, speaker of assembly: answer of to governor Moore, 34. 
Nicoll, Charles, Son of Liberty of New York, 4. 
Nominations, self, denounced, 40. 
Non-importation association, 4. 

Philadelphia does not join, 45. 

New York adopts stringent measures, 46. 

Punishes informers, 64. 

Punishes infractors, G4. 

Abrogated in every thing but tea, 70. 
North Carolina, against the adoption of the t) . S. constitution unless 
amended, 307. 

Gives George Clinton 12 votes for president, 339. 

North River, hostile demonstrations at, 219. 
Norwalk River, Arnold posted on, 159. ^ 

November first, 1765, stamp law took effect: riot of, 15. 
1769, toasts drank at the celebration of, 47. 

October 31, first meeting at Burns's: erroneously dated, 15. 

Officers, field, of Montgomery, oppose removal of batteries, 113. 

Order of Mercy Nuns of, their convent, made a temporary hospital for 

American prisoners taken at Quebec, 132. 
Order, general, of Gates, supersedes Lamb in command of artillery of 

the Highlands, 201. 



INDEX. 421 

Unauthorized, 208. 
Ordnance, surveyor of, Lamb appointed, 218. 
Ordnance and war department, letter from, 233. 
Oswald, lieutenant colonel Eleazer, with Arnold at the storm of Quebec : 

takes the command of forlorn hope after Arnold was 

w^ounded: puts himself under command of Lamb, 130 
Appointed lieutenant-colonel of Lamb's regiment of artillery, 

149. 
Recruits in Rhode Island and Massachusetts, 152. 
Marches by Arnold's command to Compo, 157. 
Provoked by Putnam: resigns: foregoes his purpose, 168. 
Applies to Putnam for orders to reinforce Fort Montgomery, 

182. 
His letters, 182, 186, 187, 198. 
At the battle of Monmouth: commended by general Knox, 

202. 
By general Lee, 203. 
Outranked and resigns, 209. 

Letters from, on the subject of Arnold's treason, 266. 
Challenges colonel Hamilton: quarrel appeased, 330. 
Part of the garrison of Lamb's house, 335. 
At the battle of Jemappe: returns from Europe: wears 

French uniform and tri-colored cockade, 344. 
Contracts the yellow fever in attendance on major Tillinghast: 

dies, and is buried in St. Paul's church yard, 350. 
Ox roasted in the fields, 4th June, 1766, 28. 



Paca, William, a Son of Liberty of Maryland, 4. 
Paper currency, great depreciation of 235. 

Parker, James, printer of McDougall's manifesto, examined at the Fort 
by governor and council, 60. 

Death of, 73. 
Parsons, general Samuel H., letter from, 164. 

Plans expedition of Meigs, 166. 

Rumors prejudicial to, 219. 

Letter to from Lamb, 220. 

Interferes to prevent recruiting from Connecticut line, 229. 
Party, excitements of, on the subject of the constitution of the U. S., 330. 
Peekskill, army at, 166. 

Oswald at, 167. 
Philadelphia, citizens of, burn king's solicitor, Wedderburn, in effigy, 86. 

Defences of the British army at, 191. 

Letter of Du Simitiere from, 212-215. 

Devastations in by the British army, 213. 



422 INDEX. 

Philadelphia, citizens of arrested for serving on board French privateers, 
340. 

Give the French minister Genet a public dinner, 344. 

Pennsylvania does not join in the non-importation association, 
45. 

Afterwards joins: committee ridicules the committee of New 
York for relaxing, and demands the Liberty pole, 68. 

Herself relaxes, 70. 

Gives one vote to George Clinton for vice president in 1792, 
339. 
Peters, Richard, secretary of the board of war and ordnance, 223. 
Pickering, Timothy, quarter-master-general, 2.'53. 

Disputes with colonel Hay, state agent, 275. 

Extracts of letters from, 367. 
See appendix A. 
Pickets at Fort Clinton, driven in on the morning of 6th Oct., 1777, 175. 
Pilot, Sandy Hook, deceives officers of the Ambuscade, 341. 
Pitt, honorable William, statue of brass to, voted by assembly, 29. 

Marble one erected, 70. 

Pasquinades against, 70. 

Statue mutilated, 75. 
Piatt, Richard, aid-de-camp to McDougall, letter from, 191. 
Point au Tremble, reached by Montgomery's army, 123. 
Porter, James, a Son of Liberty of Maryland, 4. 
Porterfield, Charles, a volunteer at Quebec, taken prisoner, 140. 

Lieutenant-colonel: killed at Camden, 140. 
Post office, new scheme proposed by William Goddard, 86. 
Posts of Fort Anne and Fort George at the north, taken, 273. 
Potter, Gilbert, Son of Liberty of Maryland, 4. 
Preston, major, summoned to surrender Fort St. John, 115. 
Priests, Roman Catholic, of Canada, loyal to the British, 123. 
Prisoners at Quebec, plan escape: advised of its discovery, 137. 

Apply for release on parole, 145. 
Privateers, French, fitted out in the Delaware, 340. 
Provincial congress organized, 100. 

Address circular letter to Canadians, 105. 
PuUaine, major, interferes with enforcers of non-importation agreement, 

54. 
Putnam, general, projects a descent on Long Island, 166. 

Of the Gates faction, and probably influenced therein by his 
aid, colonel Burr, 167. 

His manners unpolished, 168. 

Rumors in his camp, 169. 

Deceived by Sir Henry Clinton: fails to reinforce the High- 
land forts in time, 174. 



INDEX. 423 

Putnam, general, outmanosuvered by Sir Henry Clinton: refuses to send 
Oswald to relief of the posts, 182. 
Designs an attack on the city of New York, 186, 
Retains forces from Washington's camp: ordered to send 
them by Hamilton: rumors of his being about to be ar- 
rested, 190. 

Refuses to permit artillery to be removed from the interior 
196. ' 



Quebec, march on by Montgomery, 123. 
Attacked by storm, 128. 
Bishop of, kind to American prisoners, 139. 
Arnold holds in blockade, 140. 

Expedition from fails : sortie from successful : blockade raised 
142. ' 

Quarter-master-generals department, inefficiency of, and general neglect 
in, 207, 241. 
Arrangement of altered, 244. 

Rank, relative, between Harrison and Lamb, 207. 

Between Crane and Lamb, 224, 
Raymond's Point, Tryon's debarkation in first invasion of Connecticut 
154. ' 

Red Bank, defence of, 189. 

Attack on described, 192. 
Repeal celebrations: stamp act begins to decline, 74. 
Reports in the armies at the north, false on both sides, 111. 
Republican party, assumption of the name, 338. 
Pay extravagant honors to Genet, 343. 

Wear tri-colored cockade: ape French terms and manners: 
form democratic societies, and call themselves democrats 
345. ' 

Revere, Paul, letter from, 81 . 

Lieutenant-colonel, letter from, 153. 
Revolution, French, hailed with joy by all parties: disgraced by the 

Jacobins, 337. 
Rhode Island, falls from non-importation agreement: denounced by Sons 

of Liberty: their manifesto against, 65. 
Ridgefield, battle at, 159. 

Ringgold, William, Son of Liberty of Maryland, 4. 
Ringgold, Thomas, do do ' ' 

Ringgold, Thomas, Jun., do do 

Ritzma, lieutenant-colonel, his unsuccessful march, 112. 



424 INDEX. 

Robbins, Ezekiel, of the society to procure amendments to the constitu- 
tion, 320. 
Robinson, Thomas, a Son of Liberty of New York, 4. 

Member of committee of 1765, 14. 
Robinson, Beverly Col: at Fort Montgomery, 176. 

Commands after death of Campbell, 177. 

Intrigues with Arnold, 257. 
Rogers, Nathan, denounced by Sons of Liberty, 64. 
Roques, St., surburbs of Quebec, 124. 

Design upon, 127. 

Americans pass through at the storm of the city, 129'.. 
Roseboom, Myndert, Son of Liberty of Albany, 4. 
Rumors in camp, 169, 222, 228. 

Sailor, wounded at Greenleafs, 333. 

St. Clair, general Arthur, intrigue against, 170. 

St. Johns, fort of, Carleton attempts to relieve, 115. 

Surrendered, 116, 
St. Louis, gate of, position of Lamb's battery opposite, 124. 
Saugatuck River, Arnold crosses bridge of, 160. 
Schooner sunk by Montgomery's batteries at St. Johns, 1 13. 
Schuyler, major-general Philip, and Montgomery at Isle au Noix: recon- 
noitre the fort and return, 110. 

Returns sick to Ticonderoga, 111. 

Instrumental to Lamb's promotion, 136. 

Intrigues against, 170. 

Favors the restoration of royalists, 297. 

Procures the passage of Hamilton's bill in the senate, 302, 

His party gains a majority in the senate, 326. 

Defeats the bill for the election of Presidential electors, 327. 

And the bill for the choice of senators to first congress, 328. 
Sears, Isaac, Son of Liberty of New York, 4. 

An early patriot, 8. 

Of the committee of 1765, 14. 

Affidavit of, 20. 

Wounded by soldiers, 32. 

Arrests a soldier, 55. 

Affray with, 50. 

Removed from office, 74. 

At a meeting of the people proposes arming the citizens: ar- 
rested therefor: released by the people, 101. 

Letter to Lamb, 217. 

Chosen member of assembly, 297. 

Makes a voyage to China: and dies in Canton, 304. 



INDEX. 425 

Seminary at Quebec, American officers imprisoned in, 137. 

Sewall, H., aid-de-camp to Washington, 368. 

Shaw, Samuelj aid to general Knox: letters from, 219, 243, 256. 

Original draft of the constitution of Cincinnati in his hand 
writing, 294. 
Shelburne, Lord, his instructions to governor Sir Henry Moore, 34, 
Ship Nancy, tea ship, blown off the coast: arrives at Antigua^ 81. 

Damaged in a gale: arrives at the Hook: taken possession by 
committee, 82. 

Ordered to sea, 84. 
Ships of war, of both French and English nations ordered by governor 
Clinton below Governor's Island, 346. 

Sickles, , of assembly of 1787, 302. 

Silliman, general, at Reading with Wooster, 157. 

Detached by Arnold: joins Huntington, 160. 

Battle of Compo, 16 1. 
Smith, Melancthon, defeated in the city: is elected delegate to state con- 
vention from Dutchess, 314. 

Great efforts to procure preliminary amendments, 317. 

Yields to the adoption without them, 318. 

Is of the association to procure amendments, 320. 
Smith, Joshua Hett, house at Haverstraw: Arnold visits there: Lamb's 
opinion of, 256. 

His narrative, appendix D. 

Tried by a court martial and acquitted : handed over to the 
civil authorities, 267. 

Makes his escape, 268. 
Smith, William, Son of Liberty of Maryland, 4. 
Smith, Richard, Son of Liberty of New Jersey, 4. 
Smyth, Thomas, Son of Liberty of Maryland, 4. 
Sneething, Barack, Son of Liberty of Long Island, 4; 
Soldiers destroy liberty pole, 32, 33, 37, 55. 

Attempt to blow up with powder, 37. 

Wound citizens, 32, 33. 

Fire into Bardin's house, 37. 

Attack the pole, 37, 54, 55, 62. 

Attack Montagnie's house, 54. 

Arrested; attempt to rescue: attack the citizens, artd battle 
at Golden Hill, 56. 

Many disarmed: renew the fight at the New Jail, 57, 

Attack Bicker's house, 63. 

Attack citizens at Exchange, 73. 
Sons of Liberty, organization of, 2. 

Of Maryland, 3. 

54 



426 liNDEX. 

Sons of Liberty, New York the central post, 3, 
Effects of their exertions, 13. 
Committee of 31st Oct., '65, 14. 

Head the populace: burn lieutenant-governer Colden in effi- 
gy, 4. 
Correspond with the merchants: enforce regulations of the 

congress of 1765, IS. 
Compel John Hughes, stamp distributor of Pennsylvania, to 

resign, 19. 
Frame articles of union of the colonies, 18. 
Compel Hood, the distributor of Maryland, to resign, 21. 
Board the Minerva in search of stamps: notice to the associa- 
tion, 23. 
Burn stamps by Haviland: and those of Lewis Pintard, 24. 
Of Philadelphia, their letter, 25. 
Of Maryland, letters from, 22, 27. 
Letter from their London correspondent, Nicholas Ray : and 

answer to, 36. 
Celebrate repeal at Bardin's, 37. 
Oppose emission of bills of credit : publish hand-bills against 

it, 50, 51. 
Call a meeting in the fields, 51. 

Purchase a piece of ground, and erect a liberty pole upon it, 59. 
Buy a house for their meetings, and call it Hampden Hall, 62. 
Denounce infractors of non-importation league, 65. 
Manifesto against Rhode Island, 65. 
Continue firm against importation, 70. 
Resolve against tea, 77. 
Destroy tea, S4. 
Covenant with Boston, 87. 
Burn solicitor Wedderburne and Gov. Hutchinson in effigy, 

87. 
Call a meeting in the fields, 93. 
Decline of their power, 304. 
Spain joins confederacy against England, 274. 
Springfield, derangement of affiiirs at, 232, 
Lamb ordered to visit, 233. 
Frauds committed at: Lamb's report on, 234. 
New Jersey, battle of, 239. 
Stagg, John, chosen to assembly, 296. 
Stamp act, 2, 12, 13, 27, 28. 
Stamp distributors burnt in effigy at Boston, 13, 
Elsewhere, 117. 
Compensation ordered to, 40. 



INDEX. 427 

Stamped papers brought by Davis, IG. 
Tillett, 20. 

Lodged in the fort, 16, 20. 
Delivered to common council, 16. 
Burned, 24. 

State rights party seek amendments to the constitution of the United 
States, 320 
Their proceedings, 321 to 325. 

Recommend Getfrge Clinton as a candidate for vice president 
326. ' 

Defeat senate bill for the election of electors, and choice of 
senators, 327, 328. 

In favor of France: take the name of republican, and demo- 
crat, 338. 
Statue of the king ordered, 29. 
Erected, 70. 

Torn down and cast into bullets, 214. 
Of Pitt ordered, 29. 
Erected, 70. 
Mutilated, 75. 
Steele, lieutenant, prisoner at Quebec: reproves his men for enlisting 

under Carleton: reprehended by Maclean 138 
Stephenson, William, a Son of Liberty of Maryland, 3 
Sterling, Lord, selects the position of Fort Clinton 'l74 
Steuben, Baron de, commands in the trenches at the surrender of York 

town, 280. 
Stevens, major Ebenezer, marches to Ticonderoga, 153. 

Made to supersede Lamb in GatesCgenera'l orders, 199 
Appointed lieutenant-colonel of Lamb's regiment 216 
At Yorktown, 278. ' 

Stuart, a Scotch volunteer at Fort Montgomery: his reasons and adven- 

tures, 180. 
Stukely, William, Son of Liberty of Maryland, 4. 
Sturgis, Jonathan, Son of Liberty of Connecticut, 4. 
Surgeon at Quebec restores Lamb and operates upon his wound, 132. 

Tariff of duties, 40. 

Tea, a duty on: East India company encouraged to import: ladies resolve 
not to use, 40. 
Duty resisted: growing excitements against, 75. 
Commissioners for New York decline serving: ships expect- 
ed, 76. 
Sons of Liberty resolve against, 77. 
Ships arrive at Boston, 78. 



428 INDEX. 

Tea rejected by the citizens: destroyed at Boston, 80. 
More destroyed afterwards, 81. 

New York ship blown off the coast: reaches Antigua, 81. 
Arrives: Chamber's ship expected : arrives and is searched, 82, 
Tea found on board and destroyed, S3. 

New York ship arrives : taken possession of by committee and 
ordered to sea, 

Thayer, , a prisoner at Quebec, 140, 

Defends Red Bank, 189. 
Thomas, general, supersedes Wooster, 142. 
Thompson, Charles, secretary of congress, letter from, 208. 
Thompson, general, defeated at Three Rivers, 143. 
Thompson, captain-lieutenant, killed at Springfield, New Jersey, 239. 
Ticonderoga, Lamb at, 110, 

Allen and Arnold at, 126.- 
Throop John R., lieutenant in Lamb's regiment, 150. 
TilUnghast, Charles, secretary of association to oppose constitution un- 
less amended, 306. 
Assistant collector under Lamb: attacked by yellow fever 

and dies, 348. 
His character and revolutionary services, 350. 
Tolmie, Norman, his affidavit, 24. 
Tory reef memorized by Tryon's pilot, 150. 

Townsend, Solomon, of the society to procure amendments of the consti- 
tution, 320. 
Travis, Jacob, lieutenant, his noble conduct at Compo, 163, 
Treat captain lieutenant, killed at Fort Mifflin, 192. 
Treaty of commerce with England denounced by the democrats, 346, 
Trenches, duty of at Yorktown prescribed, 278. 
Troops, British, expected at Boston, 42. 

Arrive at Sandy Hook: depart for Boston, 105. 
Troops at West Point, insufficiently clad, 229. 
Troup, Robert, lieutenant in Lamb's regiment, 151. 
Aid to general Gates, 151. 
Deprecates renewal of Tory influences, 206. 
His friendship for Lamb, 354. 
Tryon, William, governor of New York, 74. 
Goes to England, 80. 

Raises a corps of loyalists, and is major-general, 104. 
Attacks Danbury in Connecticut, and destroys, 158. 
Retreats on Norwalk, 159. 
Intercepted by Arnold, 159. 

At Compo Hill: debarks: his official report, 161. 
Commands Reserve at the attack on Fort Montgomery, 



INDEX. 429 

Trumbull, Jonathan, governor of Connecticut, letter of Lamb to, 203. 
His great exertions in the public service, 288. 

Valley Forge, camp at, breaks up, 198. 
Van Dike, Henry, a Son of Liberty of Maryland, 4. 
Van Dervoort, Peter, w^ounded by soldiers, 32. 
Van Rensselaer, Jeremiah, Son of Liberty at Albany, 4. 
Van Rensselaer, Stephen, elected lieutenant-governor, 34(3. 
Van Zandt, Peter P., chosen to the assembly, 296. 

Varrick, colonel Richard, aid and secretary to Arnold: letters from, 255, 
2C4, 265. 
Prostrated by the intelligence of Arnold's defection, 264. 
Demands a court of enquiry, 264. 

Speaker of assembly, amends answer to governor's speech, 
300. 
Vaughan, general, expedition of up the river, 187. 
Verplanck's Point taken, 219. 

Attempt to retake fails, 223. 

Evacuated by the British and repossessed by the Americans, 
229. 
Vermont, controversy with, 285. 
Vice consul of France removed by Washington, 344. 
Viomenil, Baron de, storms redoubt at Yorktown, 279. 
Virginia relied upon to vote against the constitution unless amended, 307. 
Adopts the constitution, 316. 
Gives George Clinton three votes for vice president in 1788, 

328. 
And twenty-one in 1792, 339. 
Vulture, sloop of war, arrives in Haverstraw Bay: flags to and from, 257, 
Andre lands from, 258. 

Fired upon by order of colonel Livingston: shifts her moor- 
ings, 259. 
War and ordnance department, order Lamb to Springfield, 233, 
Lamb's report to, 234. 
Letter of secretary to Lamb, 236. 
Reply of Lamb, 237. 
Washington, general, his masterly retreat of the army from Long Island, 
Appendix A. 
Letter to Lamb, 225. 
Lamb's letters to, 224, 226. 
Embarrassed by neglect of congress, 242. 
Offers battle to the enemy, 254. 

Confers with the French commander at Hartford, and returns 
to Fishkill : sends his suite to Arnold's quarters ■. turns aside 
to examine a redoubt, 260. 



430 INDEX. 

Washington, general, receives news of Arnold's treason, 2G1. 

His firmnnss on the occasion, 263. 

Orders Lamb to the posts below, 263. 

Meets French generals at Weathersfield, 274. 

Disputes between Hay and Pickering referred to: declines 
to interfere, 275. 

Meditates an attack on the south, 276. 

Out-manoeuvres Sir Henry Clinton, and marches to Virginia, 
277. 

Invests Yorktown: fires the first gun from the American 
batteries, 278. 

Presents guns taken in the redoubts stormed by the French, 
to the regiments who attacked, 281. 

Letter to the officers at Burlington, 287. 
Washington, George, president, elected, 328. 

Is neutral between France and England, 338. 

His proclamation, 340. 

Expected by the democrats to veto Jay's treaty, 347. 
Wayne, general's, division mutinies, 273. 
Webb, Samuel, officer in Lamb's regiment of artillery, 150. 
Weeks, George, Son of Liberty of Long Island, 4. 
Weeks, Michael, Son of Liberty of Long Island, 4. 
West Point, bad condition of, 207. 

Lamb ordered to, 223. 

Again, 238. 

An expensive post, 244. 

Garrison insufficient: badly supplied with ammunition, 250. 
Whigs, party name restored, 26. 

Declared protectors of the Liberty cap on the flag staff at 
Tontine Coffee House, 340. 
Whitehall, damage at by the fire of the Asia, 108. 
Wiley, William, Son of Liberty of New York, 4, 8, 14. 

Committee of 1765, 14. 

Affida^'it of, 26. 
Wiley, John, offered a captain's commission in Lamb's regiment, 151. 

Bears a challenge fiom Oswald to Hamilton, 330. 

Helps to garrison Lamb's house, 335. 
Will, Philip, affidavit of, 35. 
Willett, Marinus, early patriot, 4. 

Presides with Lamb at a meeting of the people, and seizes 
a vessel bound to Boston, 101. 

Captain, left in command of Fort St. John, 123. 

Lieutenant-colonel, a letter from to Lamb, 283. 

Chosen to the asse;i;bly, 296. 



INDEX. 431 

One of the surviving Sons of Liberty, 304. 

Of the association to procure amendments to the constitution, 
320. 
Williams, Nathaniel, Son of Liberty of Long Island, 4. 
Wilson, John Q., letter from, 155-6. 
Winter, fortifications of at Quebec, 123. 

Of snovv^ saturated by water and frozen, 124. 
Woodward, Peter, lieutenant in Lamb's regiment of artillery, 150. 
Wolcott, Oliver, at the battle of Compo, 156. 
Wool, Isaiah, lieutenant in Lamb's company at Quebec, 109. 

And captain in regiment of artillery, 150. 
Wooster general, marches into New York, 106. 

Arrives at Ticonderoga, 113. 

His men refuse to march to St. Johns: are prevailed upon to 
go: consents to act under Montgomery, 114. 

Commands at Montreal, 123, 

Arrives at Quebec : is superceded by general Thomas, 142. 

At Danbury, 157. 

Despatches Arnold from Bethel: falls on the left flank and 
rear of the British: is killed, 158. 
Wortman, Tunis, secretary of the democratic society of New York, 345. 

Yates, Robert, delegate to general convention, 302. 

Secedes, 305. 

Candidate for governor in opposition to Jay, 346. 
Yorktown, troops at: investment of : seige vigorously prosecuted : orders 
of artillery at, 278. 

March from, 282. 
Young, Thomas, Son of Liberty in Albany, 4. 

Of the committee of Boston: his letters, 86, 92, 



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